Recognizing the Miracle

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders, and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

For centuries, Hebrew prophets had passed along reminders of God's covenant with His people, as well as specific clues as to how He would fulfill His Promise. The night the anticipated Messiah arrived as an infant he was wrapped and tucked into a manger of hay in a shelter for animals. The child and the event were celebrated by relatively few, including some shepherds, a man named Simeon, the prophetess, Anna......and, later, three Gentile Magi, all of whom were ready to embrace the surprise and to recognize the miracle.

Advent brings fulfillment to anticipation. Recognizing that miracle is a gift from God.

Beautifully wrapped packages around a Christmas tree hold the promise of special gifts inside. Sometimes, our gift is exactly what we expected. Often, we're surprised at the contents.

When the ways God's promises unfold don't match my preconceived expectations, I want to embrace the surprises, to recognize the miracles and to sing out the words of Mary,
"My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!" Luke 1:46-47

Elaine Burnett