December 23, 2019

Weekly Reflection – God’s Christmas Plans

God’s Christmas Plans

We often have no idea what we are truly capable of. But God does.

Of all our readings for this season of Christmas. There is none more dramatic than that of the story of Mary and Joseph. I can’t help but think that Joseph and Mary must have had big plans and dreams for their own lives. But all that changed when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and said,

“…Mary, you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth
to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called
the Son of the Most High…” (Luke 1:30-31)

Mary and Joseph were called upon by God to abandon their own plans and to follow another plan given by God. Their “Yes” brought Jesus Christ into the world. Sometimes God is calling us to do something different than we had planned for ourselves. I know that has been true in my life. Who would have thought that I would be here serving as the Chaplain for Nations-University? This certainly wasn’t in my plan. But it is certainly bigger than any plan I may have had.

As it turns out, God usually has bigger dreams for us than we could even imagine. Abandoning our own personal plans can be scary. But by prayer and faith we can put our trust into God’s hands.

So, how are you being called to bring Christ into the world, into your “sphere of influence”?
Think about that as we prepare to launch into 2020. As Mary said,

“I am the Lord’s servant.
May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38)

Merry Christmas from Sugar Land, Texas,

Chaplain Allen
chaplain@nationsu.edu
chaplainscorner.org

Resource: One Minute Homily December 23, 2019, by Tucker Redding, SJ

Note: The writings herein reflect the views of the Chaplain alone and are based on his understanding of the Bible and how God works with his people.

Read more about thankfulness, The Lion and the Lamb