Readings: Psalm 72; Exodus 3:1-5; Hebrews 11:23-31
As the visit of the Magi approaches, heralding the time when Jesus would be presented as the Savior of all mankind, I sense in myself the sadness that will come with taking down the tree and the lights and letting go of the season for another year. And tonight as I ponder that feeling, I’m reminded of a sweet young Mother, who had given birth to her baby boy and was enjoying the quiet of these days nursing her baby and sharing him only with Joseph (and a few shepherds who by now were long gone).
In the lead up to these unexpected visitors, what was Mary thinking? Was she looking at her sweet baby boy and thinking “I know he’s special, but could he maybe just have a regular life?” Was she questioning her ability to keep the son of God safe? Was this young woman, who could not read and was at the mercy of a generous husband, wondering what would become of their little family in the comings weeks?
I imagine she had all the fears of a new mother…and then some.
Her baby of which it was said:
All kings will bow before him,
and all nations will serve him.
He will rescue the poor when they cry to him;
he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them.
He feels pity for the weak and the needy,
and he will rescue them.
He will redeem them from oppression and violence,
for their lives are precious to him. (Psalm 72:11-14)
It was by faith that Mary just held on to her baby and trusted God for whatever was to come next.
And in faith, I will put away this season. The ending of the last year. The final moments of the season of lights and love that can remind us of hope in humanity. In faith, I will turn with my face to the newness of this year. I will smile into the future, and trust God for whatever is to come next.
Praise his glorious name forever!
Let the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Amen and amen! (Psalm 72:19)
And I am hopeful for you too dear reader.
xoxo