Jesus, Glorious Inconvenience

What God does is not always easy to interpret as good. Mary is a suitable example. The complications that came to her personally as a result of her pregnancy could easily have created confusion in the mind, wondering whether this was best for her or not. If she really was going to give birth to the Son of the Most High, shouldn't the process be more regal? Should she have to struggle in poverty while her child lies in a feeding trough? Clearly the Bible doesn't deny reality. This scene, however, synthesizes so beautifully with God's intended theme of the Gospel. The angels who appear to the shepherds give some electrifying evidence to the dramatic nature of Christ's birth. God chooses to reveal this news to outcasts. God chooses to schedule a census which was very inconvenient for all who had to travel. God is working dramatically, regardless of how ordinary this feels. Jesus, here, is a glorious inconvenience!