Every mother who sees her first born child experiences a myriad of emotions.  For most of us the word “joy” comes to mind.  She counts fingers and toes, holds the baby close to her breast and experiences the ecstasy of this new life.

It was that way for Mary, the mother of Jesus.  Though she’d spent this latter part of her pregnancy, traveling over rough terrain on the back of a donkey, her discomfort disappeared at the sight of her newborn child.  Her husband, Joseph, must’ve had such mixed feelings at the time, but the fulfillment of the angel’s words resonated in his mind as this tiny baby made His appearance.

Their travels were prompted by a census ordered by Caesar August.   At the time, the world as they knew it, was under the control of Rome.  The timing of all of this was part of God’s plan of salvation.  There was unrest among the people.  Not much different than the world today, they were looking for someone to rescue them.

Today we face troubling times as well.  We sit at the dawn of a sad day in history as an American president faces a vote for impeachment.  Everything about this is enough to bring a person to his knees, begging for it to be over.  It comes at the most blessed of seasons, when we celebrate the birth of the King of Kings.  My heart is so sad, that this has taken the spotlight in our country.  People are angry.  They are divided.  They are frustrated, unsure, undecided and have lost the joy usually associated with this time of year.

“I know that my Redeemer lives,” said Job after suffering loss after loss.  We likewise must rekindle that precious thought into our minds.  Jesus came to the world as a little baby.  He was subject to all kinds of peril in those early months and throughout His existence, yet as He lay quietly in a manger full of hay, peace and joy entered the world.  His birth is our promise of eternal life.  No one can take that from us.

Tongues will wag today.  Truth will be challenged.  Many have already made up their minds and many have been coerced into the popular way of thinking.  Yet, “I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes – I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:25-27.

Dear, Holy, God, I ask that you watch over the events of today and give the government, which you’ve established, the wisdom to do what is right.  Whatever happens, remind me always that you are in control of all things and you know what is best for us.  In the name of your dear Son, Jesus, I pray.  Amen!