Christmas: Surprised by Joy and Total Forgiveness

There was probably some initial fear (and in Zachariah's case a temporary case of muteness) when announcements were being made about the Messiah's entrance into our human world. Mary was dumbfounded but happy and joyful to be picked for the most precious child to be hers.Anna and Simeon prophesied and knew that their lives were complete when they heard the news. Joseph was probably baffled, and definitely questioning until an angel assured him that this was in fact a virgin birth. Mary also had the joy of being told that her cousin Elisabeth would also bear a child even in her old age. John would leap in her womb when the two ladies met. The wise men, angels rejoicing and shepherds being summoned to visit were all quite joyful occasions I'm sure.
We know they expected a king and not this little lamb of a baby laying in a manger, but it is doubtful they realized that this little one would give us the possibility of total forgiveness. In the Old Testament, animals were sacrificed to cover the sins and shame of the people. But it didn't last indefinitely.
Even though Mary knew she had an exceptional child - since she nudged Him to change the water into wine a little earlier in his life that expected - it's hard to know whether she had any full idea of what His death would mean for us. Did she know that we would never have to lift our heads in shame because He died completely and totally for our sin? We know she had real grief at the cross but how much did she understand? These are all speculations of course. We aren't told about all of the emotions and questions that these eyewitnesses were asking.
I do know that He said "It is finished". 40 some years ago as I was asking questions about His very existence and what that meant to me personally, He answered. He showed me that He loved me unconditionally and would come in to dwell with me if I asked Him. I still consider that the most important decision of my life. "Though my sins were as scarlet, I am now as white as snow". Because I am a good person - or maybe better than some? Absolutely not.
Because my Saviour and Messiah surprised me with joy and total forgiveness. I am still eternally grateful and thankful that He lifts my head every day.

Under Construction: Hectic at Times

When my sister and her husband offered to let us "camp out" at their 4 bedroom, 2 bath cottage on Silver Lake,she told us that it might get hectic at times. She was right.
Today and yesterday, members of the crew came upstairs to rearrange pipes, heating and to do some insulation. Yesterday, they arrived at 7;58 and needed to work in the closet in our room. Dragging as I do in the morning when I don't have to be anywhere, I was barely awake. I grabbed my clothes to escape to my sister's room, hoping to shower and dress quickly before the plumbers got back with the parts. Not to my complete amazement, a ladder was up against the window of Linda's and Mike's room and Chuck was walking back and forth on the roof doing something. I grabbed my things, headed to the downstairs bathroom (no windows) and locked it. Hammering was going on right above me (It also was where they happened to be working today when I showered in the other bathroom). I don't consider myself paranoid but the timing is a little strange. The need for privacy is going to the top of my psychological needs' list:).
They are getting a lot done and are an interesting crew. Chuck, an "older man" (close to our age that means) never stops for a break. He smokes constantly and coughs in between. He calls out in frustration- GRRR_-a lot as he works, though has cut down his swearing considerably since he found out Tom has been a pastor and chaplain. Even though he likes to appear gruff, Tom sees him walk out on the dock int the early mornings and take in the beauty of the lake.
Jed, the leader of the crew, is always polite. He is our son's age (28) and has a lot of skills and maturity for a young man. He shared venison stew with his crew the other day (from the 13 point buck he got when hunting). He saved a bowl to share with us. I heard him talking about Christmas the other day. He said the tree is up at his home, but that he hates Christmas, except maybe for Christmas Eve. Jed said the rest of the season was like "nailing post-it notes to your forehead". I thought it was a good analogy for a lot of people who get stressed with all of the busyness of the holiday.
So..it is kind of interesting seeing all that they accomplish and the amazing results. I have a lot more respect for the hard work and intelligence it takes to get the final product. We never know for sure when they will be coming or going or what they will be working on next. but we always look forward to 4:30 when peace and quiet reigns once more.