Ready or not, a child has been born!

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A child came into the world today,
and I was found ill-prepared.

I am not unlike many who have gone before me.

Those expecting the arrival of a child are often caught by surprise.

Of course, the expectant prepare the room, get the house in order, and have parties in anticipation of the glorious event.  But all of the preparation, reading, and consultation can never truly make one ready for the manner in which the arrival of a child changes things.

The arrival of a child has a way of changing
everything.

However, I really thought I was ready,
this time.

But how can one be truly ready for the change that is brought about by the arrival of a child?

And this child,
this child brought with him change that no one could ever imagine.
This child ushered in a transformation that continues to impact the entire world.
This child engendered a revolution that wreaks havoc on not only the world but also on individual lives.
This child generates conversion of all things.

I long for this kind of change.
And yet,
I confess that I am not ready for what it may mean.

For these frighteningly beautiful words float along on the fierce winds of change and are heard in the breath of a babies cry,
"Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11)

" 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
   because he has anointed me
     to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
   and recovery of sight to the blind,
     to let the oppressed go free,
     to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.'
...'Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.' " (Luke 4:18, 19 and 21)

We are all called, you and I, to live into this metamorphosis brought about by this child that has been born, yet again, on this day.

"For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this." (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Ready or not, a child has been born!
Let the earth rejoice!


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