A season of trusting God with our brokenness
O
BY LEANNE JANZEN
ur oldest daughter was born in November, one month after moving to a new city. Though I was overjoyed she was finally here, I also felt isolated, depressed and in constant fear I would somehow break her. So as I heard the familiar story of Jesus’ birth throughout the season of Advent that year, I felt like I experienced it for the first time. I thought about how anxious Mary must have been on the journey to Bethlehem, praying she wouldn’t give birth on the side of the road. And the despair she and Joseph must have felt when they realized there wasn’t even a place for them to stay when they arrived. And then, after the baby was born (which is terrifying enough in a hospital, I can’t imagine what it was like in a barn), feeling overwhelmed by a visit from strangers in the middle of the night—a pack of shepherds, no less. I took great comfort in knowing Jesus’ world included anxious, sleep-deprived and overwhelmed parents. Anxious, weary, in despair, overwhelmed. How these feelings clash with the coziness, comfort and security we usually associate with Christmas. Our culture loves to loudly celebrate the season. Flashing lights and brass bands declare it to be the most wonderful time of the year. Extravagance is encouraged and busy-ness is a state of being. Our expectations are high for the holidays: for giving and receiving the perfect gifts, for peace in our homes, for feeling loved.
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DECEMBER 2023
M B H E R A L D.C O M
