Real Life by Peggi Tustan

Welcome to Real Life . Today is no ordinary day! “You can find something truly important in an ordinary minute.” –Mitch Albom On an ordinary day, in an ordinary home, to an ordinary young woman, God sent a messenger. “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” [1] With Gabriel’s greeting, Mary’s life was forever changed. Ordinary transformed into extraordinary! Our God delights in invading the ordinary! He chose to enter this world as a baby—just like you and me. He came to an unremarkable town. His birth was announced to working-class shepherds. He was born to a couple with no special status or importance…except in God’s eyes. I wonder why God choose Mary for this extraordinary assignment. Perhaps the answer lies in her response. For although she could not fathom how this miraculous event would occur, she told Gabriel, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” And so, it was. On that starry night in Bethlehem, only a few knew the truth. This was...

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 . God often shows up in the unexpected. We must stop regarding unpleasant or unexpected things as interruptions of real life. The truth is interruptions are real life . —C.S. Lewis I wonder about Joseph before he was engaged to Mary. Did he have his future all planned out? Marry a godly woman, raise a bunch of kids, and grow old together in the neighborhood where he grew up. But then, life happens. Plans wave goodbye. Even before the wedding, Joseph learns his fiancé is pregnant—and it’s not his baby. He likely wrestled through jealousy, anger, and grief, before deciding to quietly break off the engagement. How could he trust a woman who was unfaithful before the wedding even took place? Joseph falls asleep, but doesn’t rest. For God sends a messenger. Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from th...