Hearing the Christmas story told year after year, some of the messier details of that story can begin to lose their edginess and start to sound quaint and predictable (which is a funny thing to say about a miracle). But the situation described by Matthew is anything but quaint: an unwed mother, an unplanned pregnancy, the prospect of divorce. Sounds more like the sad and messy reality of our modern lives than anything God would have planned. But this is how He wanted it to be. God might have sent His Son into the world under circumstances that were more noble, or at least not so messy. But this was the storyline He chose. And in doing so, God showed us His preference for using those who are weak and confused to accomplish His will. In this way, God’s power and grace shine even brighter. Can God work through you? Remember, you don’t have to have your life completely together or have everything figured out before God can use you. If the Christmas story is any clue, He does His best work when things are messy. Have a blessed Christmas!
The Daily Pulse (Thursday, January 2, 2014): Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)
The Daily Pulse (Wednesday, January 1, 2014): Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
The Daily Pulse (Sunday, December 29, 2013): No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5 (NIV)
The Daily Pulse (Friday, December 27, 2013): See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. Just as there were many who were appalled at him—his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness—so he will sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand. Isaiah 52:13-15 (NIV)
The Daily Pulse (Thursday, December 26, 2013): “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." John 15:18-19 (NIV)
The Daily Pulse (Wednesday, December 25, 2013) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:8-14 (NIV)
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