May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Luke 2:4-5
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee
to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house
and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to
be married to him and was expecting a child.
“Be prepared, just not to be safe, but to be a faithful
servant of God.”-Didi Bacon
Christmas takes preparation. With five children, four with spouses, and eleven grands, I have to begin preparing for the holidays early, because I prefer to take my time rather than stress.
For Christmas dinner, I keep it simple. Yet, the meal takes organization.
Yesterday, I spent a chunk of the day cooking hamburger for sloppy joes and chopping
peppers for pizza dip. When I finished, I tucked both into the freezer until
December 24. As I stirred the burger and cooked the pink out, my mind wandered
to Joseph and Mary. Weird, I know, but that’s how my brain works.
God had chosen Mary to be Jesus’ momma, and he picked Joseph
as Jesus’ earthly father because Joseph was a man of integrity who loved God. Obviously,
Joseph took care of Mary. When he heard Caesar Augustus called for them to travel
to Bethlehem for the census, he loaded the donkey (at least that's what we learned in Sunday school,) and he and Mary joined the
caravan on the journey. I’ve no doubt Joseph packed water and snacks, along
with blankets and bags of clothes. He prepared for the long trip, but he didn’t
stop there. His most important preparation wasn’t food or clothes, instead he
took the time to prepare his heart.
Joseph had accepted his role in the coming of King Jesus.
With willingness, Joseph humbled his heart and opened his mind to the changes
coming to his family. He looked to God with a servant’s heart and accepted the
part God asked him to take on. He chose to love the One who would change the
world, even as he raised Jesus as his son.
Joseph’s willingness to accept his circumstances kind of
blows my mind. His faith was extraordinary. His actions push me to prepare for Christmas, not in gift giving and cooking, but more
importantly, to prepare my heart to worship the King.
Christmas is about Jesus. He’s the reason we celebrate. With
humility, I ask God to open my eyes and heart in service to Him.
Prepare your heart to worship God and serve Him in this holy
season.
Luke 2:6-7
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
As an
American consumer, I used to make Christmas way too complicated. The shopping,
the decorating, the baking exhausted me. For the past several years, I've
stepped back and made an attempt to simplify. Less presents, decorating with
the items I hold dear, and more focused time in the kitchen. I confess—I love Christmas. But what I love the most about this
beautiful holiday has less to do with the gifts, baubles, and cookies and more
to do with the people.
First being—Jesus—the babe in the manger who grew to be
a King. Even as King, he lived a simple existence as he walked this earth. His
life reflects the love and grace he gives. I praise God for sending his son to
us.
Second being—my husband—we go through this life together encouraging
and loving one another. For this I am so thankful.
Third being—our family—our
children and their families, my mom, our siblings, and the
many who connect, love, check in on, and surround Tim and I with their love. I
appreciate them so much.
Fourth being—friends—dear friends I've reconnected with
from college and the many friends made through the years. Our neighbors who
wave a friendly hello when we walk the neighborhood. My writing friends I've met
on social media from all over the world. The church filled with folks who walk with us on our spiritual journey. Thank you.
Fifth being—the folks we are yet to connect with—those God will place in our path.
All these
people bless our lives. I thank God for each one.
As I reflect
on this strange, stressful year, I thank God for Jesus and for you.
May the New
Year bring joy, peace, and hope as we celebrate the babe in the manger and look
forward to a new calendar filled with wonder and adventure.
Here's to a Happy New
Year!
Luke 2:6-7
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave
birth to her firstborn, a son. She [Mary] wrapped him in cloths and placed him
in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Bumping
along on a lowly donkey, nine months pregnant, Mary prepared for the birth of
her son, Jesus. She made the journey with her betrothed, Joseph, to the town of
Bethlehem where they'd be counted and registered to pay taxes. Towards the end
of a pregnancy, most women are mighty uncomfortable. I can't imagine riding a
donkey on rough roads and bouncing around. But, Mary's faith trumped her
discomfort.
Womanhood
arrived early in Mary's day. History determines her to be anywhere from
fourteen to seventeen, a child in our culture. Yet her love for God matured and
grew in her few years. The angel, who delivered the news that she'd give birth
to the Messiah, recognized this young woman's faith.
Mary, being
the faithful servant, accepted the angel's proclamation with grace and trust.
Trust plays
a huge part in Jesus' birth. Joseph trusted enough to wed Mary. God trusted the angels to deliver his
messages. The shepherds trusted the angels and ran to see the baby. And Mary
trusted God with the glorious phenomenon of Jesus' birth.
As Mary
bumped along, she must have wondered what came next. But she moved forward as God called
her. She birthed the baby in a stable, most likely a cave where the animals were
fed and watered. Hopefully, she had clean straw and fresh water. Regardless,
Mary welcomed her child with joy that night.
As you think
about the troubles of 2020, the inconveniences, the losses, the illness, think
about Mary. In her discomfort and what was likely a troubled time for her, she
moved forward with trust and faith. Regardless of what's behind us, let's keep
our eyes on Jesus and celebrate the joy of this season.
Stop for a
few moments and breathe in the spirit of the season. Capture the essence of joy. Then breathe out and share his hope.