The Unexpected
Read Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26 – 38
Do you have a favorite quote from a movie or television show? One that you repeat often? I didn’t until recently.
Steve and I were watching an episode of a fun British television series. One of the main characters received an unsolicited, surprising job offer. She questioned the one making the offer and his reply stuck with me – “Embrace the unexpected.” That one phrase made me stop and think.
For me, “embrace the unexpected” is a good motto to take to heart. We never know what life may throw at us, so keeping a good attitude is a must. The central characters in our Christmas story may have had a similar feeling.
Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel, advised of a pregnancy and learned that her son would have the throne of David. This situation was certainly not what she anticipated. Mary’s “yes” was the ultimate embrace of the unexpected.
How about Joseph? He was visited by an angel in a dream. The encouragement to take Mary as his wife and news that her baby was from the Holy Spirit had to be surprising. Yet, he did what the angel asked. He embraced the unexpected.
And you? Have situations come your way which required an embrace of the unexpected? I know they have. While we may not know where the unexpected will lead, we know we can follow with the confidence of children of God. The situation may be unexpected, but God’s presence and guidance are assured.
As we near the end of this Advent season, I am thankful for the responses of Joseph and Mary to the challenges they encountered. Their embrace of the unexpected brought God’s great gift to the Earth.
Prayer: Heavenly Father – As we ponder the Christmas story, we are in awe of the willingness of Mary and Joseph to do as you asked of them. May we be as obedient and trusting in our lives, especially when we must embrace the unexpected. Amen
Shelly Shideler
Do you have a favorite quote from a movie or television show? One that you repeat often? I didn’t until recently.
Steve and I were watching an episode of a fun British television series. One of the main characters received an unsolicited, surprising job offer. She questioned the one making the offer and his reply stuck with me – “Embrace the unexpected.” That one phrase made me stop and think.
For me, “embrace the unexpected” is a good motto to take to heart. We never know what life may throw at us, so keeping a good attitude is a must. The central characters in our Christmas story may have had a similar feeling.
Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel, advised of a pregnancy and learned that her son would have the throne of David. This situation was certainly not what she anticipated. Mary’s “yes” was the ultimate embrace of the unexpected.
How about Joseph? He was visited by an angel in a dream. The encouragement to take Mary as his wife and news that her baby was from the Holy Spirit had to be surprising. Yet, he did what the angel asked. He embraced the unexpected.
And you? Have situations come your way which required an embrace of the unexpected? I know they have. While we may not know where the unexpected will lead, we know we can follow with the confidence of children of God. The situation may be unexpected, but God’s presence and guidance are assured.
As we near the end of this Advent season, I am thankful for the responses of Joseph and Mary to the challenges they encountered. Their embrace of the unexpected brought God’s great gift to the Earth.
Prayer: Heavenly Father – As we ponder the Christmas story, we are in awe of the willingness of Mary and Joseph to do as you asked of them. May we be as obedient and trusting in our lives, especially when we must embrace the unexpected. Amen
Shelly Shideler
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