While [Mary & Joseph] were [in Bethlehem], the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place in the guest room. Luke 2:6-7 (New Revised Standard Version)
If you are like me, you have been preparing for the holidays for a while – making sure that you have food, a clean house, and everything else you might need. This approach is diametrically opposed to Mary’s situation in Luke’s Gospel.
Mary did not have standard shelter, was using a manger as a baby bed, and wrapped her newborn in cloth (that she couldn’t have had delivered to her door within two days). And yet, regardless of her circumstances, “the time came.” It didn’t matter that not everything was ready: the time came anyway.
In some ways, putting everything on a to-do list that I can methodically tick off helps me feel in control of situations. But I sometimes miss opportunities and precious moments because I am so focused on my to-do list.
During this season it is so easy to get caught up in “ideal” preparations and worry about everything being just right. How might I change my posture from frantic worrying, planning, and doing to being present when the time comes – the time with famil and friends, and for celebrating Christ’s birth? How might I cultivate a spirit that trusts that things will be fine, even if not everything is checked off the to-do list? What miracles might I be witness to then?
Prayer: During preparations for the holiday season, may we trust God to provide what is needed so that we can fully celebrate Christ’s birth rather than having our attention on our to-do lists.
Wondering While Waiting: What practice help you remember that your neighbor is God’s beloved child?
Jeanette – Inspire. Ignite. Invite.
Calvary Lutheran Church, Angola, IN
