An Unexpected Pregnancy

The silence on the other end of the phone confirmed what my brain was still trying to process. Our life was about to change in ways we could never imagine. 

“Are you still there?” I asked my husband.

Before picking up the phone, he had been watching cartoons with our three-year-old while snuggling with our four-month-old on the sofa.

“The doctor said it’s twins.” He repeated the words I had just spoken. 

Somehow saying it out loud helped us both take in the surprising news. We hadn’t been trying to get pregnant. But our new family of four would be transformed into a family of six in less than nine months. After the shock wore off, navigating the logistical challenges became an ever-present priority.

As we enter into the Christmas season, I can’t help but reflect on another mother who received an even more shocking announcement than mine. 

Soon to be married to Joseph, the young Mary stood in awe as an angel of the Lord spoke these words: 

“You will give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus. The holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.”

 I can’t imagine the wave of emotions and shock that Mary and Joseph must have experienced. How many times do you think they repeated the angel’s message out loud to believe it was true?

“We’re going to be parents to the Son of God.” 

This news and all the complicated logistics it brought would bring joy, hope, and purpose into their lives. 

When we receive unexpected news, how do we react? Do we spiral, do we try to control, or do we trust in the One that promises to be with us during trials? 

What shocking news are you trying to accept this Christmas? 

What logistical challenges are you struggling to navigate? 

Perhaps repeating the truth of this season will help you find joy and hope:

Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy 

that will be for all the people. 

For unto you is born this day in the city of David 

a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11