Throughout the season of Advent, we have been sitting with the titles Jesus would come to subvert: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Jesus will grow to be a fulfillment of these titles in an unpredictable way as a man who listens attentively to all people, whose strength comes from compassion rather than force, who loves like a parent, and who encourages all people to live generously.

As we prepare the way for Jesus to enter into the world tonight, let us sit with Mary through her labor pains. Let us breathe beside her and encourage her as she births a son who makes way for us all to engage in the hard, thoughtful, and rewarding work of peace, reconciliation, and love.

May this Christmas season be one of joy and inspiration as you dream of ways the world will be better as Christ is birthed anew in your life. We give thanks for you this day and for all that will come to be after this birth!