Pondering Christmas

Luke really gives a build up to the Messiah’s birth.

First - An angel announced to Zechariah that the forerunner (John) will be born to his aged wife.

Then - An angel announced to Mary that she will give birth to a son who will be called, “Son of the Most High”.

Then-Mary visited Elizabeth and realized that these predictions were true and sang her ‘Magnificat’.

Then-John the Baptist was born.

Then- Caesar declared a census which forced Joseph to travel to Bethlehem with a very pregnant Mary.

Then-Mary experienced her very first labor in unfamiliar and challenging circumstances.

Finally – the promised child was born.

How do you follow that build up… a choir of angels announced the birth to shepherds and the shepherds became evangelists.

And Mary pondered all these things in her heart.

Really!?!! Do you think she had something to ponder? How about a collision of the divine with humanity? WOW!!! That was something to think about!!

We know this story and we wedge it between the shopping, traveling, cooking, cleaning, wrapping, eating and celebrations. But do we stop to ponder these events and their meaning in the midst of our chaotic world? Luke built up this birth story for a reason. He wants us to know that God has a plan and goes to great efforts to make sure it is accomplished. So, here is something to ponder: what is God up to in our time? Have you heard from any angels lately?

When God asks you to do the impossible, what is your answer? God is still busy in our world, calling us to be part of a great divine movement to bring peace, hope, love and joy into the world. Let’s all join God’s divine drama! The world will be a better place because Jesus is born.

Blessed Christmas to you and your family!!

-from Pastor Mike and Natalia