In-Between Time

The time between Christmas and New Year's is a strange time, especially for a pastor. The excitement of Christmas programs, message, and music is over but the New Year hasn't begun. That last Sunday of the year seems odd.
All the gifts, lights, and celebrations around Christ's birth have begun to fade. Now the transition to New Years' resolutions (ie. promises we rarely keep) are on the horizon. I think Mary and Joseph had an "in-between" time. That time that follows all the glorious accounts of the Savior's birth, now everyone is gone except for Mary, Joseph, and the Baby. The shepherds are gone. The Wise Men really haven't shown up yet. The sky is no longer filled with Angels. Time for a new normal.
A new normal consisting of a husband and wife plus a new baby. Not just any baby, but God's promised child to the world from before the beginning of time. The noise of the shepherds and angels are now replaced with the cry of a baby, the sounds of caring for the child, and whispers between the parents as to what they will do next.
A time of reflection for sure. Seeing the hand of God protecting them as they journeyed. Mary and Joseph's  needs met even while friends and family questioned the madness of it all. Mary is a new mother and Joseph is a new father: both for the first time! Nervous? Sure! Scared? Most likely! Determined? Absolutely!
God gives us "in-between" times for reflection and renewal. We can look back and see God's hand in so many ways. Times when we may have doubted or struggled are now times of refreshing. A time to renew ourselves to God's plan and God's truth. God uses all that we have walked through to make us ready for tomorrow. I've been through so much this past year. Some exciting times and some disappointing times. Times when I saw God moving and times when those close to me hurt me deeply. I got to celebrate new birth in the Lord in so many new christians and have some of the old faithful pass away. The joy of new friends and the sadness of those who turned their back.
But... God has a perfect plan! So in this "in-between" time, I pray to reflect and be renewed for the year to come. Let the excitement grow as God does His best work ahead. I guess "in-between" times aren't so bad after all!

Blessings,
From the Heart
Pastor BR