Merry Christmas everyone!
The photo above was taken on our recent trip to Vancouver, and is of the Gastown Steam Clock at night. It actually wasn't taken during Christmas time at all, but I loved how even in the middle of September, the city of Vancouver was lit up at night in such a magical way!
My anxiety at this point of the trip was in full form, after having such a full day of sight seeing and being dropped off in the heart of the city with no more battery power on my phone. I was nervous as my friend parked the car and my two daughters and I had to walk to the restaurant, not knowing exactly where to go (and hoping the rest of the family would find their way there too). I was afraid I didn't belong in this big city, and that one more meal at a restaurant would come at too high of a financial cost.
But God met me in my fear. He guided my steps to the right place, and He provided a wonderful meal through the generosity of friends that I can never properly repay. He even allowed us to walk along the streets at night in safety to see this amazing steam powered clock, that seemed like something straight out of a fantasy novel (my son actually took this photo). And He brought us safely home again.
So as I think about that moment, I am reminded of the Christmas story: Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem for the census. It was a busy city, and there was no room for them at the inn. Mary was very pregnant, tired after a long day of traveling, and I imagine filled with anxiety as they looked for a safe place to stay. But God met them in their fear. And He provided the perfect place of safety in which to bear the Savior of the World, a generous act that I am sure they felt unable to repay. He even provided a bright star in the sky that may have seemed like something out of a fantasy novel. And He brought them safely home again.
God is a miracle worker! He is close to the broken-hearted, and just when we feel like we can't possibly do any more, He shows up and reminds us that we don't have to: He has already made a way through His son, Jesus Christ! I pray you would draw near to Him this Christmas, and that you would recognize and accept His extravagant generosity that goes above and beyond all we could ask or imagine. Jesus is the greatest gift!
Merry Christmas!
Rachel Durbin