Jeanette Renouf

My fellow seekers,

Many of the scripture readings today and leading up to Christmas foretell the birth of Jesus, or of the Messiah. Some expected a king or at least a baby born in a palace. No one seemed to expect a baby born in a cave used as a stable. However, we must look at this God that creates, this God that now has chosen to be among us as a human.

When I look at the creation story in Genesis, there is no way that God would choose to come into the world in a mansion, a palace. God would choose to arrive among the rest of creation—the animals, the plants. What a perfect place was a cave in Bethlehem housing animals and hay, a place that shepherds would feel welcome, as would their sheep. The innkeeper, far from being the bad guy in the story, in fact, was helping to carry out God’s plan. The place of birth was as special as the child that was born.

Jesus has shown up in my life in unexpected times and places, as well. In spite of all my plans and expectations, it seems clear that God has a plan also and knows what is best for me. I need to be open to the unexpected and see the gift that it can be.

We are invited this time of year, by this story, to be prepared for a God of surprises, who is also a God of love, to be born in us anew. May our hearts be open to receiving this new light that is coming into the world.

Love and Peace,

—Jeanette