During the time of preparation for a baby, Mary and Joseph were on a journey. It was unexpected for both of them. They probably had their life planned out a little differently how things were going. They made their way on this long journey to Bethlehem, to do, of all things, pay taxes. Didn’t anyone know how inconvenient it would be for a pregnant woman to travel on a donkey during her 9th month of pregnancy? Joseph and Mary weren’t quite prepared for this, but this was their reality. I’m sure all of us have had our plans changed unexpectedly, but none quite this dramatically. Our earth journey is really preparation for heaven. Earth really is very short, and heaven is really very long. What we hope for in heaven is way beyond what we can imagine with our finite minds. What the young couple on a journey to Bethlehem was hoping for, with God’s own son living in their home, was way beyond what they could have imagined. But they made room for Jesus. And when they did, God gave them a taste of heaven on this earth. When we make room for Jesus, He does the same for us. The kingdom of God is within us. God’s desires that His will is done, on earth as it is in heaven. (Matt 6:10) The very presence of God, His life, His nature, and His ability resides in us, empowering us to make our earth life, a little bit of heaven. Jesus gives us foretaste of things to come. What hope that brings.
Advent Activity: Create a gingerbread house in the shape of a stable. Perhaps you can use a store-bought kit, and remake it into a stable for baby Jesus.
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