Luke 2:22-40

Unexpected Circumstances

Strange days, unexpected times: a belief-defying announcement of a pregnancy, a wearying journey to be taxed, an uncomfortable birthing bed in a hewn out cleft in the rock repurposed as a stable, a visit from herdsmen, unexpected. The last 40 days were a whirlwind of surreal confusion as to the veracity of any of these unexpected occurrences. Seven days of purification then circumcision of the boy, giving him a name not personally chosen, and a return to wait out the 33 of the remaining 40 days required of a new mother for cleansing, both expected and unexpected occurrences.

Women born under the law of Moses and having just given birth carried a heavy burden. Mary adhered to it dutifully…