Midweek Message December 20, 2023

Christmas Expectations

 We haven’t even celebrated the 4th Sunday of Advent, and yet Christmas is only a few days away. We’ve prepared what we can—whether that’s presents or decorations or last-minute work details or whatever we do to get ready. And with those preparations, we carry with us our hopes that what we’ve prepared will be enough. Will the kids have enough to do to keep them out of trouble? Will the food be good enough to keep that finicky family member from grousing? Will the drive be short enough that we can get through it without arguing? Will the holiday movies be engaging enough to keep me from feeling lonely? Will the precious gift be appreciated enough by the one for whom I carefully chose it?
 
Our preparations are messages of care that we offer, but we can’t control how our preparations are received. I imagine the innkeeper as distressed that he didn’t have an open room for the laboring Mary and her soon-to-be-born child. But he did what he could, offering a warm, safe space. Not what anyone expected, but it was enough for Mary and Jesus. Thanks be to God!
 
I find this to be a comfort in a season when we put so much pressure on ourselves and others. We can remember that our focus may be on Divine love and how we might manifest that in our actions. Mary Oliver’s poem “Making the House Ready for the Lord” (which you can find by clicking here) is a gift that helps bring me back to this Holy experience of preparation.
 
Christmas Blessings,

Sharon