Now What?

We are currently walking through the 12 Days of Christmas; that is, December 25th to January 6th. Christmas is, of course, the day we remember the Christ child being born. January 6th is the Day of Epiphany where we reflect on the magi from the East acknowledging the divine appointment of Jesus as Lord.

My mind so often goes to Mary during this time. The shock of the herald saying she was blessed to be chosen by the LORD. The recognition of Elizabeth’s expectant child eager to proclaim the Son of God. The less than favorable conditions surrounding the birth of Jesus, and then shepherds wondering into the “delivery room.” The recognition of the faithful at the temple when Mary and Joseph bring the customary offering.

How many times did an event confirm the messiah only to have that pass and Mary wondering, ok, now what? Nighttime feedings, changing soiled diapers, getting fresh linens, and the many other things that just make up a life. After however much time it took, the magi from the East arrive to proclaim the child’s divine power and practically anoint Jesus as God’s chosen ruler. Another moment of confirmation followed by a sojourn to Egypt for the child’s safety. Ok, now what? Yet again it becomes day after day of keeping everyone fed and sheltered with Joseph probably taking the occasional odd job to provide.

Their return to Nazareth is followed with more of the same. Family, with more expectations to juggle, added to the mix of everything else. A trip to Jerusalem where preteen Jesus finds his connection to his Father’s house, the temple. This quite possibly the first outright public acknowledgment by Jesus himself of his divine appointment. Mary, already fearful from having misplaced him, was like thinking now what? Jesus stays with his earthly parents in submission to their place over him, and for eighteen years he abides there. A parade of days for learning, for play, and walking through the monotony of life stretch on. Somewhere in those undocumented years, Mary mourns the passing of her husband Joseph. Losing her partner in life likely would cause her to look at all the uncertainty around her and cry, “Now what?”

Eventually, her firstborn steps into his calling and for three years the expectation that he will deliver the people from their oppression grows. Then she watches as he is nailed to a cross. Now what? When young Mary dutifully submitted to the LORD’s will, it did not come with a step-by-step guide on how she was to proceed. How many times did she wonder if she was doing it right, that there must be more that she should do? However, all that she could do was to keep going, and all went according to God’s plan.

Sometimes we too come to the point where we perceive the signs, feel the prompting, and have that “Yes Lord” moment. Then we look around, expecting things to be different, only to wonder now what? Frustration and confusion take the place where conviction once stood and we question our place in God’s plan.

The path before you will likely contain some milestone moments, but for much of it the view may look like a scenery loop from old shows; no discernable difference. This reminds me of Eugene Peterson’s words to describe the faithful persistence of a lifelong commitment as “a long walk in the same direction.” We trust God with our destination even when most of the time the miles seem uneventful.

A new years dawns. The year may contain milestone moments or more of a consistent parade of the usual activity. What ever it holds, trust God with your “Now what,” and lean into His promises. In doing so may you have a blessed and happy new year.