Unwrapping Gifts - Day 1

On this day after Advent Day or Christmas Day, known as Boxing Day in many countries, traditions vary and differ, but the idea of gift boxes being given and unwrapped is accepted by all.

For today and tomorrow, to complete this week, we shall receive from the Advent Story, well-known words which, when unwrapped for us, will present us with beautiful prizes and welcomed surprises. Here are the words.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born. Luke 2: 6.

Neatly wrapped up in this verse is a very insignificant, yet most precious word. The word is, they, and in it three notes of love are wrapped up.  For us to be of the same mind and of one accord, we need to see the Birth of Jesus, as the Birth of Love. Love was born at Advent, and Love is still waiting to be born in many a heart.  

While they were there.  The word they, refers to Joseph and Mary. As simple as this may be to you, or as obvious as it may be, this word is totally missed.  This is a missed fact of the Love of God that was at work at Christmas. Mary is the person who is carrying the unborn Jesus. She is the pregnant one, not Joseph, yet the scripture never said, while she was there. It said, while they were there. The one who is carrying Jesus, has a companion. Let’s reason together. What is being unwrapped for us is the fact that God’s Love is to be born, and He has chosen you to give birth to His Gift of Love.  Like Mary, you are carrying unborn Love. You are pregnant with His Love, but you are not alone.

God’s Accompanying Spirit is with you all the way. Joseph was Mary’s companion, at her side, throughout the birthing time. He accompanied her, as it were, in it all.  In the same way, God’s Holy Spirit remains with you at all times. Wherever you are in this birth of Love, He is there also. The time for Love to be born out of you, is never an alone time.  God’s Holy Spirit is your Companion.

God’s Assisting Spirit is with you all the way. Joseph was not just Mary’s companion, but he was the one assisting her all the way. In the same way God’s Holy Spirit is the One assisting you, with your birth of Love.  All that is needed, He will supply. All the encouragement and strength you need for this birthing will come from Him. The time for Love to be born out of you, is never a helpless time. God’s Holy Spirit is your Assistance.

God’s Acknowledging Spirit is with you all the way. Joseph was not ashamed to be seen with pregnant Mary in the town of Bethlehem. Because he was enlightened about her and knew the Hand of God in her life, he was pleased and proud to be seen with her and to be associated with her.  In the same way, God’s Holy Spirit knows all that the Lord God has done in your life, is doing in you and will do in you.  And though you are a mere human being, a weakling in the flesh, God’s Holy Spirit is never ashamed to associate with you. He acknowledges the Love that has been put to grow in you and that you are the Lord’s chosen. The time for Love to be born out of you, is never a shameful time.  God’s Holy Spirit is your Acknowledgement.

You are carrying God’s Love in your heart, and that Love is to be given birth, for the time is now for some special act that must come from you. Look again! See! When Jesus was born, this was not just a gift for Mary and Joseph, but for all, from lowly shepherds, to kingly Magi.  Your gift of love to be born at this time, is not for your joy and peace only, but for those around you, who need to see God’s Love, through you. 

You are Blessed and Highly Favoured, as this gift is being unwrapped in you.