Every day in Advent 2016 we will be sharing short reflections from authors, Christian charities and Eden team members.
Advent: week one
I’m waiting. For an operation. Diagnosis has taken many months and now the consultant wants to operate quickly. What is in store for me – and for my family?Mary and Joseph are waiting. For the baby: the one who is God’s Son. The one long-awaited and now nearly here. What is in store for them – and the family they are about to become?
Advent: week two
I am preparing too: shopping, wrapping, writing; baking, posting, decorating. I’m ready much earlier than usual. So many unknowns.Mary and Joseph are preparing. Getting ready for the baby: the one who is God’s Son. How do you parent a child – let alone this child? So many unknowns.
Advent: week three
The letter arrives: I am summoned to the hospital. I don’t want to go but I do want to go. There are fluttery fears in the dark corners. What will happen?Mary and Joseph are summoned to Bethlehem for the census. They don’t want to go but they have to go. It’s too far. Can they even make it? What will happen?
Advent: week four
The hospital is full; closed to admissions for the next week. I’m in the car park making phone calls. My surgeon pulls rank; a bed is found. Waiting is over. Bethlehem is full. There’s nowhere ideal to have a baby. By the time they find shelter, Mary’s labour is starting. Waiting is over.
The Day
Christmas morning. I open my eyes and my children are standing round my bed, watching to see me wake up. Smiling. New day, new life, a miracle.Christ-mass: the birth day of Christ. Mary looks up to see shepherds crowding round, come to greet God’s Son. Smiling. New day, new life, a miracle.God come to earth in human form. Alive, incarnate, God with us. Hallelujah!
December 14th, 2016 - Posted & Written by The Editor
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