In this final week before Christmas, the gospel reading tells about an angel visiting Joseph. We hear the angel explain that the child Mary is carrying is from God and instruct Joseph to go ahead and marry her and raise the child as his own. The whole encounter is remarkable, and unbelievable. Mind you, God is in the business of bringing remarkable and unbelievable things into being. If you’d never experienced spring before, it would be unbelievable that the frozen bareness of winter will become spring’s new life in just a few months. When there is hurt in a relationship that is important to us, it is remarkable how an honest and caring conversation can lead to forgiveness and a healing. In times of crisis, strangers will unexpectedly step in to help others with small things as well as tremendous things, too.
Joseph’s encounter with the angel reminds us that God is present in even the most difficult and unbelievable situations. God turns up in places where we least expect, bringing hope, new beginnings, and transformation. Take a look for yourself. In these days of holiday preparation, step away from the rush and take a moment to stop and breathe deeply a few times. Quiet yourself and bring to mind the remarkable ways you see God bringing new life, reconciliation & healing, and transformation into your life and the world.
Over and over, God keeps showing up in places and ways that surprise us. Where we think a disaster is unfolding, God can bring new life. As Christmas arrives this week, my prayer is that we each will notice God’s presence, not only in the manger in Bethlehem, but in unexpected places in our own lives. May we find within ourselves just a bit of the openness to God’s transforming presence that we see in Joseph’s welcoming of God’s news (as well as Mary’s).
Blessings to you and those who are dear to you as we near Christmas celebrations!
Peace,