12-15-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
December 15, 2024
Have you ever gone to the grocery store for just one item, walked out with $70 in groceries, and not picked up the one item? It is probably just me. While in the grocery store, I remembered a wonderful Christmas dessert my mother used to make, and with some slight allergy-mindful modifications, I can eat it. Well, I can make that dessert but was not able to make my dinner. When everything was said and done last night, I went to bed with a full stomach. It wasn’t exactly what I planned to make, but that’s ok. 

I have had a lot of these “not exactly what I planned” moments during this Christmas season, yet the strange part is that things have turned out just fine. Please understand that I am not suggesting we abandon our plans. Serious planning, organizing, creating lists, and checking them twice are all valuable steps toward achieving our goals. But often life happens, the unexpected makes an appearance, we get out of the grocery store without the one item, someone shows up who wasn’t supposed to be there, or… (you can add your own happening). 

The Christmas story is one unexpected event after another, though maybe unexpected from our vantage point. I think God has forever been working to bring humanity into an understanding of unconditional love; making real the idea that every aspect of creation, including every human being, has ultimate value. We human beings have free will; we often toss roadblocks in front of God’s plan, or even make a complete mess of things. Yet because God never loses sight of God’s purpose, what we do has no ultimate impact on perfect love. 

Holy God, with everything that was experienced by an unwed couple having to suddenly make a lengthy trip while expecting a child, some would be concerned about your purpose being thwarted. Yet we are thankful, O God of All Creation, as you continue to find a way. We are the fortunate ones because of your unwavering persistence. Amen.