Elf-ed
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25
INSIGHT
Even for someone like me who can be more Grinch than Buddy the Elf, I couldn't help but smile at the box of Christmas joy left on my doorstep. The note attached informed me that I had been Elf-ed. A neighbor dinged and dashed while dropping off a package of holiday sweets and toys.
All of this took place unannounced, unexpected, and unforeseen.
Maybe it's just me, but that sounds a lot like what took place in a dusty manger thousands of years ago. On a typical evening, unaware shepherds taking care of their flock weren't anticipating seeing their Savior wrapped up in swaddling clothes. But that's what happened. In the still of the night, God brought to the world good tidings of great joy - unannounced, unexpected, and unforeseen.
The Christmas story isn't just cute; it's pervasive.
Christ invaded our space. His arrival disrupted everything - the way we see, understand, and experience God, the brokenness that existed in our relationship with Him, and how we navigate our circumstances.
God didn't wait; He took the initiative and entered in. We weren't left to clean up our mess, but instead, it was made right through Him. Jesus showed up with a gift; He BROUGHT us good tidings of great joy.
If joy is defined relationally, it makes sense that the gift God gives is His presence in our lives. He will never leave us nor forsake us. No matter what we do, God is glad to be with us. His joy in us is what makes our joy complete.
REFLECTION
Where do you need to recognize and experience God's presence in your life?
What makes God's presence our joy?
PRAYER
God, thank you for going first and making a way. Encountering You brings me great joy. May I slow down this holiday season and reflect on the gift that is Your presence in every circumstance I face. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.