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Interrupted lives

Lois Coleman Neufeld

A long time ago, I learned that life is full of interruptions. I used to think interruptions were negative, that they hindered me from getting my work done, but my perception has changed gradually over the years. The change was complete when I read a meditation by the president of Eastern Mennonite University, who said that the Christmas story is about interrupted lives.

Mary was a young woman, engaged to be married to a respectable man. Out of the blue, her life was interrupted by an angel, who let her know that she had been chosen by God to be the mother of the Messiah. Mary’s plans for marriage were jeopardized by God’s interruption in her life, but her response was remarkable – she submitted, trusted God and later “pondered” the changes in her life caused by Christ’s coming.

Joseph had plans for a normal, respectable family. God interrupted his life by presenting a radical alternative. Despite all his questions, Joseph accepted this interruption and responded with obedience.

The shepherds were only doing their job when God interrupted them. They were prepared for thieves, lions and other wild animals, but they weren’t expecting representatives of God. Their shock quickly turned to anticipation, and they couldn’t wait to see Jesus.

The wise men’s lives, Herod’s rule over Judea, Simeon’s and Anna’s lives – Jesus’ birth interrupted them all. The Christmas story reminds us that God comes to ordinary people doing ordinary tasks, living ordinary lives. These people were not expecting God to interrupt their lives in the way He did, but that doesn’t seem to be the important part of the story. Rather, it is how each person responded that matters. May we have eyes to see and hearts to respond to God’s coming in our lives.

Lois Coleman Neufeld is a member of Highland MB Church in Calgary and is currently working with Mennonite Central Committee in Zambia. This article was distributed as an MCC news release Sept.24, 1999.

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Last modified December 6, 2000.

© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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