Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

May your Christmas be as messy as the manger,
as agonizing as a woman in labour,
as uncomfortable as an expectant mother riding a donkey,
as surprising as the Angels appearing to the Shepherds,
as hopeful as the wise men seeking out their Saviour,
as treacherous as a family fleeing from Herod,
as joyful as the birth of a new baby
and as peaceful as all those cards make it out to be.

Happy dysfunctional family Christmas!

**** I was struck this week by the "messiness" of Christmas. For some reason, we all have this expectation of a picture perfect and peaceful day. But for many families (mine included), it is far from this. But when I look back at the first Christmas, I can't help but having a different version pop into my head than is depicted in all those songs, cards and movies. Birth is painful and messy. Its uncomfortable. The last thing you want after giving birth is strangers visiting you....and not in your own home, but in a barn! And on top of all that, to have to flee from King in order to save your child's life. Sounds like a great Christmas!!!  Yet, within all the messiness, Mary was found, pondering these things up in her heart. What an incredible birth story she has! It is within the messiness of our lives that Jesus made his entrance. Not to clean it all up and make it perfect, but to be present. It is within that statement I find true Peace. ****