This is the fourth week of Advent, the Christian season of preparation for Christmas. We’re looking at some of the traditional themes of the season. This week: Revelation, Birthing, Love, and Rejoicing.
Today’s scripture: Luke 2:1-7 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Julie Walsh):
I have not given birth to a child, but I’ve been around enough of my friends who have to know how difficult the final months of pregnancy can be. I hear much of the same sentiment: heartburn, backache, hot, sweaty, tired, sleepless, awkward, uncomfortable, moody, and irritable. If that were not enough, Mary was expected to travel a distance of about 80 miles in her condition, and I doubt that was by plane, train, or automobile!
Once arriving in Bethlehem, they found no room in the inn. Were any of my friends today in Mary’s situation, they would likely tell Joseph to buck up and find her a decent place to rest! Granted, we live in a Western culture with many luxuries that did not exist over 2,000 years ago. Yet, there was enough significance in this detail of the story that it was included in Luke’s writings.
Luke goes on to write, “And Mary whined.”
Wait, he didn’t say that at all. In fact, no reference was made about Mary’s emotions. When Mary first learned she was to become pregnant, she rejoiced in song before the Lord despite the implications her pregnancy could have had for her socially or for her impending marriage. She was probably beside herself by the time she was ready to give birth! It seems that nearly every new mother enthusiastically anticipating her first child is filled with joy and gratitude when gazing into her newborn’s face. So how much more celebratory must it have been knowing that the Messiah had been born, as the angel foretold? Mary’s lullabies must have been filled with rejoicing!
It is evident that Mary faced some great challenges and overcame mighty hurdles to give birth to Jesus Christ. All the while she rejoiced to God. What a magnificent reminder for us when our initial response may be just the opposite!
Prayer for the day: Lord, I have been complaining a lot lately about [blank]. Today, I bring a renewed spirit of rejoicing, and humbly ask that you teach me to dwell in this perspective today. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.