An Unexpected Visitor

“It couldn’t be,” I said to myself as I stepped into the crowded lobby of my freshman dorm. Over the clamor of college students discussing their weekend plans, I heard a song that only he knew. 

“It couldn’t be.” I said again. 

Earlier that year, my boyfriend from Virginia and I had been writing a song. But it was winter in Alabama, and he went to school 900 miles away.

As I rounded the corner, I couldn’t believe my eyes. My boyfriend sat at the piano playing our song!  

On the second week of December, as I reflect on how my confusion that Friday transitioned to overwhelming joy, I can’t help but think about how the Shepherds must have felt. 

It was an ordinary night. Sleepy-eyed and sharing stories about the day, the shepherds watched the sheep grazing in the fields. How could they have known an angel would appear, filling the night sky with the glory of the Lord? Shocked and confused, the shepherds must have tried to wrap their brains around what was happening. 

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

After hearing the angel’s announcement, the shepherds ran to see Jesus for themselves and to share the great news with others. 

Sometimes God shows up in unexpected ways, at unexpected times, and even to unexpected people. Like the shepherds, you don’t have to be worthy, wealthy, or ready for Him to interrupt your ordinary life with His extraordinary good news and great joy! 

However, you do have to decide what you’ll do next. 

Is your heart open to the unexpected this Christmas? 

How might God be trying to interrupt your ordinary days with His unexpected news and subsequent joy? 

What can you do to share the good news and joy of Christmas with others?