Surprises & Such

December 14, 2025

Photo by JillWellington on Pixabay

Life is ever full of surprises, but Christmas brings extra surprises and such. One of the best parts is planning and preparing surprises for our loved ones. As we grow older, we find that more joy comes with giving than receiving, and in preparing surprises and delights. 

This is a reflection of God’s love for us, which is demonstrated beautifully in the Christmas story. It started with a surprise for Mary and Joseph when they find out she’s pregnant! Not just an oops teenage pregnancy, but a mysterious gift from above, as they learn from a visiting angel. I imagine this surprise came with a load of mixed feelings, including confusion, bewilderment, and doubt. However, the planning and preparation were initiated by Spirit which provided guidance and strength for the journey.

The surprises multiplied as news of the Christ child’s birth reached the shepherds, wise men, and beyond. What to make of it? Who was this child born in a meager stable among the cows? Awe and wonder unfold as the story goes, complete with angels and a north star, and yet - who could know the magnitude of this surprise?

When Jesus was born, there were many challenging and familiar human dynamics: kings and armies and pretentious religious leaders, a wealthy ruling class with a thirst for power and privilege, massive inequality, poverty, and injustice. Into that world, God delivers an unexpected messenger of Divine Love, in the form of a baby born to humble parents, surrounded by animals and itchy hay.

As this story has been passed down through the ages, its mystery and wonder remain. It still brings comfort, joy, and hope. In a dark and complicated world, God shows up as Love and Light, enlisting angels, wise men, and simple shepherds as witnesses. What a surprise! 

The holiday season can be frenetic and frenzied, and it's easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed by the many demands and distractions. Expectations, obligations, and disappointments are all wrapped into it. No wonder we miss moments of wonder and delight! When I pause to reflect and relax, I receive the gifts of peace, beauty, and joy. 

Perhaps in those precious moments, we discover the seeds of hope and possibility that God has placed in us. We, too, carry the Christ child seeking expression through us, as us. This is both a mystery and a surprise. Divine Love created us and continues to create through us. For me, the stories, music, and lights of Christmas bring this truth into sharper focus. I find the delight of a child as my faith and hope are rekindled.

When we become “as a child” with open hearts and minds, we receive amazing gifts, surprises and such joy. We awaken to our true selves, our innate divinity. We find Emmanuel - God with us. 

Merry Christmas!

ej

Elisa J. Juarez