UNEXPECTED

 We all have experienced the unexpected at some point in our life.  Many of my unexpected experiences have brought great joy or great fun.  I remember one vacation when I had not seen #1 son for 18 months.  He appeared quite unexpectedly--courtesy of my dear friends we vacationed with.  What a wonderful and unexpected surprise.

It is no secret that my third child was unexpected.  She came along when her brothers were 15 and 7.  I thought I was finally seeing the light at the end of those early first years of intense child rearing.  (Little did I know how much fun those teen age years would be)  When I finally figured out I was not dying, but instead pregnant, I was in shock.  Did not think that would happen.  Well now, this was one of life's unexpected blessings in a huge way.  What a joy she has been!  When I first found out, I was trying to wrap my head around how in the world I was going to make this all work out---busy years of sports for the boys & trying to stay on top of school, a growing accounting practice, keeping the home fires burning and then a new baby.  Color me overwhelmed.  Obviously it all worked out, but there were moments of sheer panic.  

WHAT must Mary have thought when the angel appeared to her and told her what was to come?  How in the world do you process this piece of news?  Never known a man, but you are having a baby---to top that He was God's own son.  Stop and think about how her thoughts must have been whirling.  Then the day finally comes---she has endured months of whispers and probably rude remarks--but that baby is coming.  Add to this story the story of how He was born and you have the most unexpected birth EVER!  And yet Mary, with great faith, accepted all that was to come.  The unexpected came with great joy. 

As we walk through these final days leading up to the celebration of the birth of Our King, slow down and experience remembering those unexpected moments of the great blessing which is celebrated on Christmas day.  The birth of a man--who was also a part of the Trinity---who came to give us New Life.  May we all thank God for this wonderful unexpected day when the baby  was born -the LONG expected and promised Messiah.  Thank God for Jesus.

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Matthew 1: 26-33