Real Life by Peggi Tustan

Welcome to Real Life . Have you experienced the Christmas story? Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 A few years ago, my husband and I visited Yosemite for the first time. Before going, we viewed countless gorgeous photos of its monuments and vistas. But nothing could prepare us for the day we drove into the park. We kept pulling off to the side of the road with our jaws dropping. There was a vast difference between observing a photograph of Yosemite and experiencing the real thing. As a young woman, I knew the Christmas story of Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus born in Bethlehem’s manger. I knew about Jesus, but I didn’t know Him personally. I didn’t know that was possible. I loved singing Christmas carols. But I sang the words with little comprehension of their meaning. Bethlehem was like a beautiful photograph. Jesus, a Savior, was born. But he w...

Welcome to Real Life . Sometimes a pregnancy elicits mixed reactions. “I think that carrying a baby inside you is like running as fast as you can. It feels like finally letting go and filling yourself up to the wildest limits.” –Author unknown [1] “Have you heard?” the woman asks her neighbor, “Mary’s pregnant.” “Joseph’s Mary? But they aren’t married yet,” her friend replies. “Joseph isn’t the father. It probably happened in Judea while she was visiting her cousin Elizabeth, and away from her parents’ watchful eyes.” “No, I can’t believe it. Sweet, innocent Mary?” the woman’s eyes pop. “Poor Joseph. What will he do?” “Well, you know Joseph. He’s an upright man. He’ll deal with it quietly. I hope he finds a good, faithful wife who will appreciate him.” ____ God rarely arrives as expected. The king of kings didn’t enter a capital city with pomp and ceremony. He came quietly. As a helpless infant. Born in a humble village, to a young virgin, in a family lacki...