This is the third week of Advent. Each week, leading up to Christmas, we pause in remembrance of the birth of our Savior. In some households, a candle will be lit in recognition of each of the Advent themes. This week we consider PEACE and the birth of Jesus Christ.
I was enjoying a nice jog on a local beach boardwalk when I had another “you don’t see THAT every day” moment. I saw the two ladies heading my way. They were not in a hurry and were very engaged in conversation. As the ladies came closer, I noticed they were dressed in mismatched Christmas PJs, but THAT was not what made for the “you don’t see THAT every day” moment (because oddly enough, PJs in public on our boardwalk is not uncommon, sigh…). What made these ladies appearance a “you don’t see THAT every day” moment was what one of them carried. Tucked up against her side and nestled in her arm was a small pale feathered CHICKEN! You do NOT see THAT everyday!
As I continued past them, I kept looking back over my shoulder trying to confirm what I just saw. For the remainder of my run, I kept mulling over why someone would be carrying a chicken on a walk. I could not make sense of it. It was unexpected, unusual, and strange. All I could do was shake my head, smile and think, “Whelp, you don’t see THAT every day”.
There are times in life when things do not fit into our expectations or understanding.
I imagine the look on the face of the cow who found a baby in his feeding trough one night. I picture his wet sticky nose inching over the edge of the manger before being shooed away by Joseph.
The cow had to have been thinking, “You don’t see THAT every day.”
I wonder if the shepherds turned to one another, following the appearance of the host of angels, and said, “you don’t see THAT every day!”
I think about the message those angels proclaimed that night,
“…today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior who is Christ the Lord. …you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, lying in a manger….Glory to God in the highest, and on earth Peace among men…” Luke 2:12-14
A baby, the son of God, placed in a feeding trough?
Swaddled and tucked into an unexpected place, born in an unusual way, amidst strange circumstances, laid our Savior. Jesus Christ, the son of God, born to bring PEACE and reconcile the sinfulness of man with the Holiness of God.
“You DON’T see THAT every day!!!”
Tuesday With Teri 