SCRIPTURE: Then being warned by God in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee, and went and settled in a city called Nazareth. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: “He shall be called a Nazarene.” Matthew 2:22-23 AMP
The first advent of Jesus brought a lot of light into the world, but many people missed it. Light is helpful, even miraculous the way it exposes everything — from the beautiful, to the mundane, to the downright evil. Journey with author and blogger Amy Clemens as she explores the advent of one who said he was the light of the world…a light that shines in darkness…that exposes. A light that will make a second advent, with a power and glory no one will miss.
THOUGHT: We often hear that phrase “the new normal,” indicating that although you try to go back to the way things used to be, it rarely happens. For example, circumstances have changed in this post-Covid world; we have changed. I keep imagining how nice it might feel to just go back, but my heart doubts it will ever be the same. So much has been exposed beneath the surface of what was. As my husband might say, “you just can’t unsee that!” There is only a new normal, whatever that may be; the earth has moved under our feet.
So it might have felt to Mary and Joseph. They eventually return to their hometown, Nazareth, but their experiences – angelic visitors with earth-shattering news, the initial shame that would have been thrust upon them, the pain of not being believed, the journey to Bethlehem at almost full term, still unmarried, no room except in a stable, no bed except straw, curious shepherds, wise foreigners with unimaginable gifts, a blood-thirsty ruler, a midnight flight to Egypt (of all places!), and now more angelic visitors with instructions – all the miraculous and mundane experiences must have changed them. And Jesus, at maybe three or four, comes ‘home’ to grow up in a place he will ultimately be rejected: “Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.’ He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith (Mark 6:4-6 NIV).”
In God’s economy, perhaps a dull, disbelieving Nazareth is better than a city full of religious zeal? It is this place that affords Jesus a childhood out of the public eye – and maybe your own Nazareth has been protecting you too. Perhaps it’s not the exciting life you dreamed of, but maybe it’s just where God has placed you.
SONG: More Than Anything https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5YMN3eTPC4
PRAYER: God, help us appreciate your mystery and our unanswered questions as much as your miracles and answers to our deepest desires.
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ABOUT ME:
Blogger Amy Clemens is the author of Walking When You’d Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall. In it she explores childhood sexual abuse and how it impacted her faith (or lack thereof) for four decades. You’ll find not only her story, but better yet, the Big Story of God.
Check out Walking When You’d Rather Fly, and learn more about the book and Amy’s other ministries. You will also find her devotional work at Words of Hope.
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