Remember those hazy days of middle school, when the Christmas story seemed both magical and utterly baffling? You know, the one where a 13-year-old Mary (seriously, 13?!) gets pregnant by…God? And Joseph, bless his soul, just goes along with it? I mean, talk about a trust fall.
Then there’s the whole “no room at the inn” fiasco. Did Joseph seriously not make reservations? In Bethlehem? At Christmas? I’d be livid. “Excuse me, sir, I know I’m carrying the Messiah, but did you perhaps forget to call ahead?”
And let’s not even get started on the Three Wise Men. Just casually showing up with gifts for a baby born in a stable? No awkward introductions, no “Hey, have you met the parents?” Just gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Talk about a weird flex.
But honestly, the real head-scratcher for this middle schooler was later in the bible when we read about the wedding miracle. Mary, the mother of God, tells her son to turn water into wine. Seriously? And Jesus, the Son of God himself, obliges? His first miracle? Turning water into wine? Talk about a party starter. I think I need a margarita right now, as I finish wrapping up these gifts for my own kids (a miracle in itself).
As I’ve journeyed through life, I’ve come to understand that the Christmas story, while filled with miraculous events, offers profound spiritual truths. It’s a reminder of God’s incredible love for humanity, demonstrated through the birth of His son, Jesus Christ. This story inspires us to have faith in God’s promises, to hope for a brighter future, and to embrace the unexpected blessings that come our way. It teaches us to find joy even in challenging circumstances and to cherish the precious gift of human connection.
So this Christmas, raise a glass (or two) of your favorite holiday cocktail (or a Midlife Margarita, of course!) and remember that even the most fantastical stories can hold profound truths. And if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to turn water into wine, well, I guess you know who to call.
Merry Christmas, and may your holidays be filled with laughter, love, and maybe a little bit of divine intervention.
Peach, Love & Margaritas
