The blessing of time

December 2, 2019 | Kara Crabb

About this post: This blog post is part of a series of daily devotionals where we are exploring Jesus' life through the book of John. To sign up to receive text notification of these posts, text zpcdevo to 39970. We welcome your comments and questions each day.

About the author: Kara Crabb and her husband Mike are members of ZPC. They have a blended family of 6 kids and 3 grandchildren with another on the way. Kara is involved with student ministries, Landscape Team, Home Groups, and Great Banquet and Awakening communities.

Scripture: John 2:1-12

My childhood Christmas experiences in Pennsylvania were always wonderful. I have 5 siblings and because my mother and father’s house was the largest on both sides of our family, all the parties were held at my home. As an adult, I assumed everything would be the same with my kids. It wasn’t, so now I dread the Christmas season. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Jesus and celebrating his birth. But, as a mother of a blended family, I have not been able to celebrate with my family as I did as a child. Our children are grown and have families of their own, in addition to having to share them with other parents, grandparents, and in-laws that span no less than 4 states, I rarely get more than a couple of hours with them all together.

Reading the story in today's scripture of Mary, the mother of Jesus, at the wedding in Cana, I can relate to her feeling as if this may be a last chance to share her son with family and close friends. I’m sure she was aware that her time with him was limited. I can almost imagine her winking at him and shrugging knowing deep down he would do something glorious. He did! Jesus took something sacred (the ceremonial jars) and filled them with wine–a sweet blessing for all the wedding guests.

This spring my husband Mike and I traveled to Israel with a number of our ZPC friends. Looking at this passage after actually drinking wine in Galilee with my ZPC family, I have a closer connection to Jesus, his mother, and the disciples. In the past I saw the wedding miracle as Jesus being pushed by his mother to do something he wasn’t ready to do. Now I see God loving his mother enough to tease her and exceed her expectations. This Advent season I choose to bask in the glory of my own children’s achievements. I choose to accept the blessing of the time I have with them. It’s very hard to let go of tradition and holiday expectations but I urge all of us to embrace the glory Jesus reveals. Let’s let him surprise us once again.

Activity:

If you are a parent, take the time to really see your child/children for who they really are. If you are a child reading this, when your parents ask you to do something that you don’t feel you are ready for, do something amazing! Exceed each others expectations this Christmas.

Prayer:

Precious Jesus,
Thank you for mothers that challenge us to step out of our comfort zones and children who bring joy to our parties. May this season be filled with love and laughter and the glory of your presence.
Amen

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