Over two thousand years ago in a stable filled with shit, Mary cried out with loud labor pains. While all the shepherds and angels were singing in the fields outside of town, Mary was pushing out a baby. If she was anything like my wife Emily, I know there were moments that she wanted to stop. Yet Mary pushed through and gave birth. In an instance…Mary’s pain turned to joy…for in her arms rested perfect hope, justice, peace and love.
Later on in life, Jesus talked about being the way. I often think about the way when I think about birth. It is almost as if each birth reminds us that the only way forward is through perfect hope, justice, peace and love. The difference is that Jesus embodied these constructions perfectly. We can call Jesus God because Jesus showed us that God is perfect hope, justice, peace and love.
I think that the baby in Bethlehem came to do much more than provide regulations…I think the baby came to provide transformation…through perfect hope, justice, peace and love. I believe that God uses the baby in Bethlehem at this time of the year to call us back to the way…the way of perfect hope, justice, peace and love.
Blessings on your way.
Amen.
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