God & Life In You: First Saturday of Advent

No woman ever conceived a child, no mare a foal, without Him. But once, and for a special purpose, He dispensed with that long line which is His instrument: once His life-giving finger touched a woman without passing through the ages of interlocked events.
~ C.S. Lewis, Miracles, p182

Every birth seems like a miracle. It's only been in the last century that infant mortality rates have drastically dropped. Still, in some parts of the world, to be born - and survive infancy, is stilled considered a miracle. With all the scientific discoveries and medical advances made, it seems to only magnify the miracle of birth. Maybe after delivering a thousand babies in a hospital room, the sense of miracle wears off. But for everyone else, there is still something tender and beautiful and amazing and miraculous about a new born baby.

It's not a big step of faith to believe that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary. It is a step of faith, built upon the belief that God is always at work in the world, that his power upholds the forces of Nature. Science does compelling work in describing the forces at work in our world, but it can't explain their origins, it can't adequately answer "why" - they only have theories. That God miraculously placed a seed in Mary's womb, a divine conception of Jesus - it is a step of faith to accept this, but then every birth is a miracle of sorts, isn't it?

The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
~ Luke 1:35 (NIV)

God initiated an opportunity for Mary - become part of a miracle, become part of the Way to save the world. God initiates an opportunity with you - to become part of a miracle. The Same Spirit that made new life conceive in Mary can conceive new life in you. The new life that Jesus represents, that Jesus taught us, that Jesus offers to us - it flows out of this Same Spirit.

If you need a new beginning, if you need to be "born again" or need another chance - God is ready, if you are. In fact, God is the one that planted the seed of change in your heart... He is the one that initiated this opportunity...