I stood on the wintery step waiting in anticipation for the moment about to unfold before me. Suddenly the door was opened and the familiar smells of the holidays filled my nose: turkey, apple cider, a roaring fire. My grandmother appeared with cherry pink cheeks hot from her labour of love in the kitchen. Year after year, I looked forward to these familiar sights, sounds, and smells as comforts of the holiday season.
This year, an odd and unexpected one, has me pondering the season that is about unfold. There is an uncomfortable newness and uncertainty in the unfolding of 2020. Like the opening of Grandma’s front door, what comfort of the season awaits on the other side?
Sweet Mary knows though...
In the midst of the chaos of the bustling town of Bethlehem, hidden away in a dusty barn, on an anything but silent night, God incarnate chose to make his first appearance. He didn’t come in the comfort of a celebration, nor in the presence of glitter and decor. He didn’t even come in the comfort of an abundance of family and friends, or holiday cheer.
The arrival of a King, though the ambience lacked in splendour, certainly didn’t lack comfort, but not the comfort we are familiar with during the season, rather Mary’s comfort. Mary didn’t find her comfort in anything other than a deep, unwavering trust in her Lord.
As the door to the holiday season begins to open, I suspect the chaos of this year (perhaps more closely resembling the noise and unrest of the night of Jesus birth) has potential to catch us off-guard. Or, like Mary, we can choose to find comfort in nothing but a quiet hope and trust for our gracious Lord and his ability to lead us through the unfamiliar.
Just as my grandmother opened her door to welcome us into the comfort of her home, so also we can open our doors and welcome in the comfort of the hope we have in our Lord in spite of our circumstance. Let us make the comfort that Mary knew well the heart of our home this season.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
All my love,
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