In The Mystery

"God is with us, of this there is no doubt. Let us resist the urge to analyze or measure the mystery and instead await His birth with reverent awe and gratitude."

I heard these words in an advent audio devotional a few weeks ago shortly after I experienced a brain injury that led to riding in a helicopter to the hospital due to potential injuries I may have acquired. Thankfully, the outcome was a bad contusion and none of the other things they thought might have happened.

The accident that led to the helicopter ride was preceded by a seizure and being unconscious for 15 minutes. When I awoke, I had no idea what had happened. It was a mystery to me how I found myself in that place, the tear filled eyes of my sister, who had been with me, looking down at me.

It was and is a mystery how Mary became pregnant with Jesus, though still a virgin. Truly an act of God. Mary did not understand, but she gave thanks. She knew God was with her.

As I awoke from unconsciousness a few weeks ago, I did not understand how I got there. But I knew God was with me and that was peace itself. Though those around me feared and worried, God's presence removed any fears that could've been. There have been plenty of times in my walk with God when I've been afraid, but in that moment, I was not. God was with me, I trusted & I was grateful.

As we head into this new year, let us remember the birth of Christ and consider it in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. God is with us. We do not need to understand the mystery. We just need to give thanks & trust.