The Christmas story from Luke is fascinating and inspiring.

How interesting and timely that it begins with a controversial order by the government.

We are in turbulent political times ourselves, but nothing like in the days of Jesus birth.

In our country, people on both sides of the political spectrum were out of their minds at the prospect the candidate of the party they did not support would be elected.

From Nazareth to Judea there were no elections, just an oppressive totalitarian state which could demand a census for unjust taxation. Joseph and Mary obeyed and traveled quietly to their destination to fulfill the will of God. The good work of God cannot be stopped by politics and government.

We are called to obey God first, regardless of the political realities around us.

Next, even God was willing to be subject to the flesh and blood limitations of  creation.

Mary traveled late in her pregnancy. There was no room in the inn. Babies  come whether in barns or caves. They come in their own time — God’s time and gestational calendars.

In our lives, God is with us in every circumstance — even when those situations are smelly, cold and painful.

God does not wait for optimal situations. God often works best when situations are messy, unjust and confusing.

Soon, we will even see God at work with a refugee family and a genocidal maniac.

Finally, we see that God comes in times and places we cannot predict or imagine.

We best stay awake and aware, be prepared to see the glory of the kingdom of God at work in us and around us.

Moving to the deeper places,
Jeff