Shh, it’s a surprise. That’s what we say when we pick out unexpected gifts and tell others about them before Christmas day.
On Christmas morning, we want our loved ones to open their gifts and light up with delight over the surprises inside. We make goodies for friends and randomly bring cookies to work, just to give a little bit of surprise joy to those around us.
The idea of gifts being surprises was God’s idea first. Imagine Mary’s surprise, to be chosen as his mother as a virgin. And Joseph’s -when an angel showed up with the best but most unexpected news. The Shepherds in the fields surely lit up in shock and awe when the skies came alive with praise. Then, to find the newborn king lying in a manger of all places?!
Still, the surprises continued.
Many of the expectations people had regarding their coming Messiah were thrown off. They thought we would come and reign on earth immediately, not (when? Oh we still don’t know the time!) Instead of conquering with swords and great, terrifying power He won us over from death by…dying. Surprise!
When we look at all the unexpected gifts God has given and gives, we react like the Shepherds and Mary and Joseph and the Disciples with more fear than delight.
“Do not be afraid”
–Luke 1:30
–Matthew 1:20
–Luke 2:10
There’s a reason that this phrase is so often repeated in Scripture. We, as control-seeking, nervous, limited human beings, are not big fans of surprises…until we see them work out in our favor.
Upon being surprised, we scream. We’re often terribly confused. And, if the surprise does not turn out to be wonderful and beneficial, it often becomes a story told only as a “what-not-to-do.” (Don’t we all know of “oops” surprise stories?)
Surprises from the Lord are treated in much the same way. Our first reactions when the Lord does something unexpected are often fear and confusion. We ask “well, what about this?” or “what if?” before we say, “Lord, your every gift is perfect! Thank you!” Fortunately, his grace is sufficient. His kindness does not fail.
“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”
–1 John 4:16
We can look back through history, and the Bible, and our lives, are recognize that His surprises are delightful. No mystery of the Lord’s is shrouded in darkness and risk. When we see His surprises fully revealed, we are in awe of the gift-giver.
Behold, our reason to trust even in the unexpected.
Behold, the one whose endless grace and love continue to surprise us.
Behold, the Lord whose surprises are always perfect.
This post is being shared on: #DanceWithJesus and #LifeGivingLinkup.
Jesus = God’s joyful surprise!
🙂 Behold, God…. one of my favorite phrases! I was thinking as I was reading how silly it is to be fearful when surprised by God because He is so good, but you pointed out that in our limited understanding ( hello, control-freak…need-to-know-everything human mindset… have to make sure it fits our calendar living) we fail to see His goodness.
Great reminder to trust the only one who is fully trustworthy with our every moment.
Blessings,
Dawn