Today is the day when the conception of Mary is remembered. As we continue on our Advent journey we give thanks for Mary and her role as the mother of Jesus. The bible reading set for today speaks of a different aspect of parenthood- that of adoption. Paul writes of how we have all been predestined for adoption as sons and daughters of God. It is not through our own doing that this has been promised but through the grace and love of God freely given, through his Son Jesus Christ.
I have often used the following illustration when talking about adoption, (apologies if you have heard it before). A primary school boy was being bullied at school once it was discovered that he was adopted. Rather than give in to the taunts, the boy thought for a moment and countered with, “my parents chose me, yours had no choice, they just had to put up with you.”
God chooses us, in fact he chose us before we were born, and we are welcomed into his family, to live alongside Jesus. Mary was the mother of Jesus, the child she didn’t expect but accepted in obedience to God, and loved as a devoted mother. Joseph loved and cared for his family, protecting his young pregnant wife from any criticism as she awaited the birth of the Messiah.
Whatever is going on in your life, remember you are a child of God, you are adopted into his family, not because of what you have done, but because of the sacrifice of Jesus.
Prayer: Loving Father God, we thank you that through your Son Jesus Christ, we have been adopted into your family. You chose us, before we were born through your gracious love. As we remember the sacrifice that Mary, and Joseph, made to become parents before they had planned, help us to welcome you into our lives. AMEN