.jpg)
Messy Christmas
Scripture focus: Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2
The other day I was working through my to-do list. I sat down and wrote out all the parties, presents, special food needs and activities going on over the next few weeks. I was doing my best to manage all the things for my family. If you don’t know this about me, I am a perfectionist. I like things to be a certain way. I have a need to be in control of things going on around me and to know what to expect. Essentially me and mess just don’t mix well. This holiday season can get so full of things to do. And there are good things. I desire to give my kids the perfect Christmas and I want to make sure everyone around me is happy and has what they need for things to be perfect.
As a mom, the person in the Christmas story I most relate to is Mary. Year by year I am constantly drawn to this young woman and her response to motherhood. Upon hearing news of her pregnancy, even in the midst of the doubt and confusion I’m sure she felt, her response is to worship. Known as Mary’s song in Luke 1:47-55, her words of praise are beautiful. “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior… for he who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is his name.” (Luke 1: 47, 49). Just a little after giving birth, all of these visitors are coming to meet the Messiah. The shepherds came to greet the baby born in a manger who would save the world. But Mary, she just saw her little boy, asleep. Quiet. There were prophecies swirling around her and lots of questions. “But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2. 19).
I am sure Mary had different, more perfect plans for her life. I am sure she had different plans for her birth. Nothing went according to those plans. And yet, Mary worshiped and quieted her heart to hold the treasure she was given.
This Christmas is going to be messy. It has already arrived in my house. Arguments have occurred. Expectations have been left unmet. Overwhelm and exhaustion have descended upon us. There are things that are just simply out of my control, things that I cannot make perfect. I cannot make everyone happy. And it is OKAY.
MESS is OKAY. MESSY can actually be BEAUTIFUL.
Because God meets us in the mess. It becomes this sacred space where our souls connect with the Savior. Mary was in the middle of a mess. In the midst of that sacred space she held her firstborn son, one who would save the world, yes. But for just those moments, he was her son. In that place her soul worshiped and treasured and pondered.
I want to be more like Mary this Christmas season. I want to face the messy around me like Mary sat in hers. I invite you to find a way to do the same. God doesn’t wait for things to be perfect. He doesn’t wait for the perfect timing or for us (thank goodness) to reach perfection. He steps right in and loves us as His own. I want to meet Him there, in the mess, and worship him fully.
Michelle Callis
Comments