“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:20
The Christmas story is a beautiful tale of love and family; a true inspiration for all of humanity. Yet, the most extraordinary part of this story is that it continues today in all our lives.
Take a moment and consider the people you encounter each day. Among your neighbors, co-workers, friends and family perhaps there is a man whose second marriage is not going well; a young man having profound doubts about his career; a woman who is waiting for test results from her doctor; or a family in debt is trying to find their way out of a devastating financial crisis.
Why am I telling you this during such a joyous time of year? Because Christmas has always been about people in trouble. It began with an unplanned pregnancy to an unwed couple who were on the road with very little money. They had no place to stay, so the teenage mother gave birth in a barn surrounded by farmers and their animals. For the baby to rest, the young couple could only place him in a feeding trough. And this was only the beginning of their troubles!
Remember, the story of Christmas is not just about the Christ Child in the manger. Like the stories of our lives, it is filled with plot twists, unpredictable characters and lots of surprise endings! And through it all - through the clamor and confusion of our everyday lives - we hear the call of God. Like the angels singing out to the shepherds, it is a glorious call bringing common men and almighty God into fellowship again. It is a call of forgiveness, hope and love.
Let there be no doubt. It is time we receive that call! And whatever challenges you are facing in your life right now, this is where your story can be rewritten with a magnificent new direction!
This week’s prayer
Lord Jesus, I hear your call. I know the story of my life has many complications and surprises to come. Please be with me as my story’s central character. Guide me and lead me today and every day as I answer your Great Call on my life. Amen.
