The gospel narrative in the New Testament begins with an unwed pregnant teenager of humble origins and social standing. Think about that for a moment, dear friend.
God needed no union of prince and princess of kingdoms, or son and daughter of emperors, to begin unfolding His redemptive purposes in earnest. He required no critically-acclaimed, Disney-themed fable approved by a vast and adoring audience. All He was looking for was a misunderstood young woman with a willing heart—and the confused young man of her dreams to support her in their mutual journey into the unknown.
Each time I think of this unusual storyline around Christmastime, it rekindles my appreciation for the ways of God. What I have long admired about the Lord is that He is so free from the fear of bad optics. He does not try desperately and hurriedly to avoid wrong perceptions as man does. He is quite comfortable—in perfect peace, in fact—when all is not as it seems to everyone else. From the beginning, His redemptive plan to birth the Christ Child, the Messiah of Israel, looked distasteful and undesirable to virtually everyone that had a front row seat.
Today, however, we realize that in the midst of all the scrutiny and scorn this most highly favored couple undoubtedly faced was the very Savior of the world, the King of glory, very God of very God. What looked so scandalous was actually beyond miraculous, beyond words—the Word.
That being said, may we all be reminded this holiday season that the most precious gifts in all the universe come wrapped in such a way that only those with a heart of worship and wonder can truly see who and what is being born.
As we enter another New Year, may God grant each of us new eyes that allow us to see, believe, trust and obey just like Mary and Joseph, and a handful of shepherds and magi.
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Public domain image: The Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ by James Tissot (1836-1902).
At His Feet 