As a child I remember being fascinated by the story of our Savior’s birth. As an adult, I still use each advent season to intentionally prepare my heart to focus on the wonderful entry of our Lord onto the earth. But as a child there were things that I missed in the story. I thought about the shining star that led the way, the wise men who brought fancy gifts, angels rejoicing and the love of Joseph to Mary. As a mother myself now, I am in awe of how God orchestrated everything but it was a humble beginning. An unwed mother. Giving birth in a place meant for housing animals. Two young people navigating marriage and being new parents, let alone parenting the Savior of the world. A dream that allowed the little family of 3 to escape the death plots of a king. A miraculous birth after 400 years of silence.
God could have chosen to have Jesus be born to parents who had riches on earth and more life experience. He could have chosen to have Jesus be born in a palace or at least a home. But, God, in His divine wisdom chose humble, simple means to bring His son to walk among the people of the earth. If Mary and Joseph were alive nowadays, they would be the patients we see who are on public insurance with high deductibles, or they may even have an income that would put them on Medicaid.
And Jesus’ trials we know did not end at the birth in the stable. He suffered temptations, homelessness, death threats, mockery and the torment of the cross for us. At Christmas I reflect on Mary and Joseph’s trust in the Lord. They did not fully understand all that Jesus would endure or become. They both had moments of questioning prior to Jesus’ birth. But in the end, they were faithful. They stepped out in a leap of faith and trusted God would provide all that they needed to birth and raise the Savior of the world. Our God is good at using humble means to bring great things! We have faith that just as God sustained Joseph and Mary, that He will continue to work in our patient’s lives in the trials that they face, sparking the glimmer of hope that keeps them pressing on.
Thank you for trusting the Lord to work through your gifts and our clinic to show the love of Jesus to those in need. Over and over again our patients express their extreme gratitude for His Hands’ service to the community. YOU help to make that possible.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the staff and board of His Hands!
Amy DeLay, Patient Advocate
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