Highly Favored of the Lord

Today's Lectionary continues the Christmas story with the flight of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus into Egypt to escape Herod's murderous intentions. My mind is drawn back to how this adventure began for Mary, "Greetings, you who are highly favored. The Lord is with you!" While these are words most of us think we'd like to hear coming from an archangel's mouth, the truth is, they heralded a future most of us would shrink from.

Mary and Joseph said 'yes' to God and embarked upon a grand adventure. But it wasn't easy on any level. If it wasn't enough for them both to endure the speculation and rumors that had to surround Mary's pregnancy, they had an arduous trek to Bethlehem. Then there was no room in the inn, so Mary was forced to deliver her child in an animal's stall.

The wonder of the shepherds' and Magis' visits had to make them feel better. These visitors confirmed that something special - something big was happening. Maybe that's why God sent them. If I was Mary, I would probably have been wondering if I'd imagined the archangel's visit... Shouldn't things go more smoothly when you're following God's will?

Well... as the saying goes, "There's no rest for the wicked, and the righteous don't need one." No sooner do the Magi leave, than Joseph is told in a dream to flee into Egypt. It's hard enough traveling when your really pregnant, but traveling with a baby or toddler is much more challenging. Saying 'yes' to God is a dangerous thing to do if you're looking for easy street...

There are people who will tell you that favorable circumstances are a sign of God's favor toward you. The biblical witness doesn't really support that notion, however. More often than not, those whom God favors live God-sized adventures. So... if things aren't going your way, don't assume it's because you're not favored by God. Your troubles may be evidence that you are.