December 24, 2011
I wonder how Mary felt on Christmas Eve. Expectant for sure – but not like the little children waiting on Santa. Also, not like the Grandmas and Grandpas waiting on little children to come over the river and through the woods to their house. Mary’s expectation was laced with surrender, joy, uncertainty, and a lack of comfort.
Mary knew better than anyone – because she was “experiencing” the miracle whereas up until that point, everyone else was only hearing about it. She already had the physical life of Jesus impacting her. Well, Joseph was getting “2nd hand impact” I’m sure. You don’t take a nine month pregnant lady for a ride on a donkey, and put her up in a stable without impact. Just sayin’. J
But, eventually her physical sensations subsided as he was born…but the spiritual ones came on stronger and closer together. And it was set up so we can experience them too.
Birthing the Savior of the world was much like birthing any child under less than desirable circumstances, poor facilities. And much like many births, there was no “real” father to claim the child. Young, unmarried, and preggers back in bible days was downright shameful. She must have been battling that, along with Joseph. At least there was no guilt. But shame can sometimes make you feel guilty whether you are or not.
Yep, Jesus caused quite a stir before he even got here…and he hasn’t stopped.
I favor the King of heaven and earth coming in as a nobody. And instead of creating a war, with death and destruction as “earthly” leaders do, he brought life and peace for anyone who wants to trust him for it. He managed to take on our sin without becoming sinful. The first stir of shame over him was only an introduction to the kinds of guilt and condemnation and confusion and shame he would resolve in lives that ask for it.
My perspective has been altered this year by a simple talk I heard, “God with Us”. I’m accustomed to trusting that God sent Jesus so I can be with him, but the idea that God sent Jesus so he can be with me is a switch in my mindset. It’s loading me up with peace, almost like a giggle in my spirit (maybe that is known as joy), and the way I view my day has become less complicated.
He seriously wants to come into our presence, our thoughts, our actions. He wants to be with us more than anything. He offered his best gift – Jesus – Emanuel, so he could be with us.
A merry Christmas it is. God is with us.
Be blessed experiencing God with you,
Susan
