Reflection based on Luke 2:5-6. Mary and Joseph were favored. Graced. Righteous. Obedient. And yet they were caught up in an emergency situation. All the unfavorable circumstances mocked their radical obedience: Young, unexperienced, far from home, experiencing the emergency right in front of strangers. They were exposed to elements of the outdoors. Whether it was cold or dirty or both, it was likely not the “birth plan” they had in mind. It’s not much fun to think about the … [Read more...]

Reflection based on Luke 2:4-5. It was at least a three day journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. As the crow flies, it was a 70 mile distance. But Mary and Joseph weren’t traveling as crows do. Their journey through the hills and valleys of Judea amounted to more than 70 miles on foot when they finally arrived in Bethlehem. Bethlehem was, in the worlds of St. Luke, their “own city” because they were from the house and family of David. It was the town from which God had plucked a ruddy … [Read more...]

Reflection based on Luke 2:1-3. All throughout Scripture we find evidence of the truth that “the king’s heart is in the hands of the Lord, like rivers of water He turns it wherever He wishes.” (Proverbs 21:1). God has tapped a variety of historical rulers and leaders to participate in His great history. The sad part is, so few of them probably realized it. God directed their actions according to His purposes--sometimes to judge, sometimes to bless. Nebuchadnezzar was allowed to … [Read more...]

We may find ourselves a little envious of Mary and Joseph because of their remarkable encounters with angels. Like discontented children we cross our arms and huff, “…but God’s spoke so clearly to them…” We whine and wish for the same celestial experiences, forgetting the angel spoke only once to Mary, and up to this point, only once to Joseph. And very little about what he told them made life “easier.” Everyone around them was inclined to operate under a normal, earthly understanding. … [Read more...]

Reflection based on Matthew 1:24-25. God had called him the “offspring” and “the seed.” The Psalmists called him the Cornerstone, Deliverer and King. The prophet Isaiah called him the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace. All of those names, plus a host of others throughout the Old Testament, were arrows pointing the way to Him. The various names were descriptors giving clues as to where God’s people would find the Rescuer He’d promised--indicators of what He would be … [Read more...]