Dearly beloved,

Another Christmas swiftly approaches – are we ready?

Certainly there are gifts to wrap (or still purchase), decorations to display, foods to prepare and homes to be dazzled – but are we ready?

There is travel to be readied, cards to be sent, and children to calm as the day gets ever closer – but are we ready?

I reflect on Mary & Joseph’s own readiness for the birth of Jesus. While it may have looked different than today’s preparations (no nursery to decorate, no doctor to be on call, no diapers to be bought) – still that sense of anticipation grew for this child as the days and months of Mary’s pregnancy passed.

There were also the whispers among the neighbors, questioning the timing of Mary & Joseph’s marriage and her pregnancy. Questions abounded as hints of the angel’s visit reached the ears around them. Speculation arose amidst all the waiting for this child’s birth.

And then as if all that wasn’t enough, they needed to travel amidst the last days of Mary’s pregnancy. Not just the discomfort of the journey – whether by foot or by animal; not just the distance of 90 miles between Nazareth & Bethlehem but the dangers of the road with bandits, Roman soldiers and animals – would they even arrive safely. And then as they joined their fellow travelers in the small city of Bethlehem – no room was left, no safe haven for this woman in labor.

Were they ready for this birth? Are we ready for this birth?

Whether they were or we are – Christ was and is born in our midst! God’s love was found in a manager amidst all the questions, whether we are ready or not – God comes to us!

Join us – ready or not – as we worship God made flesh, born in Bethlehem!

Peace in Christ,
Pastor Jen