Jesus was born to an unwed mother.

Though Mary’s commitment to Joseph–and his to her–was as binding as a legal marriage, he was not her baby’s father.

Like many of us, Jesus emerged from the womb into a tense situation of human uncertainty and hostility.

Despite Mary’s surprise at learning she would give birth to Jesus, God was not surprised. Despite Joseph’s initial disappointed shock, to say the least (He nearly dumped Mary!), God enthusiastically anticipated the birth of Jesus, who became our Messiah.

It was the result of God’s plan.

With that same enthusiastic certainty, God welcomes every one of us, God’s unique children, with plans for us. None of us, and none of our children or our children’s children, are born outside God’s planning.

New life, new purpose, new hope for the world comes with the birth of every one of us.

God’s great love for us is the reason for the season. It means hope for the world, according to plan.

Amen