Surprise Surprise!

 

I like surprises, (if they are nice ones) so I never want to know what presents I might be getting at Christmas.  I don’t shake, rattle or roll them to listen to what the contents might be as I know that I would be disappointed if I managed to guess.

How we look at surprises, depends on who is in charge of the surprise.  I know that when Rosie gives me a present, it will be a good one and I will enjoy it because she knows me and knows what I like. 

The Christmas account in the Bible is full of surprises, for Mary, Joseph, their families, the shepherds, wise men etc, especially the animals in the manger, when they discovered a baby in their feeder!  

The problem with surprises, is simply that, they are surprises, you don’t know what to expect and have no time to prepare for them.  This year has been full of surprises, many of which have not been good ones.

Throughout the Bible, we see a God of surprises but in each situation, God uses these surprises or turns them into His/our advantage

The message to Mary was “do not be afraid” (Luke 1:30)

The message to Joseph was “do not be afraid” (Matthew 1:20)

The message to the Shepherds was “do not be afraid” (Luke 2:10)

The message to us from Jesus is “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:21)

 

So this Christmas embrace the good surprises, trust God in the difficult surprises and whatever the situation “do not be afraid”

 

Psalm 91:1-2 “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”