Not forgotten

Background Photo: The Giving Keys

​“Here we are. In Bethlehem. Over 80 miles from our home. The place Micah said the Messiah would be born...if not for the census, we wouldn’t be here. Incredible. And the star so bright above. My perfect, beautiful baby boy. These words spoken by the shepherds. I can hardly take it all in. It is overwhelming. I know I must rest, but my mind won’t stop. My God, thank you.” Mary possibly ponders, her mind likely racing.

On this special day I can only imagine the other pondering that went on from heaven. Matthew offers a lineage of Jesus, full of unlikely characters preserved for all time by name.

“My household forgot me. I was promised a family redeemer, but no one came. I’m ashamed of how I took matters into my own hands. God, I am so grateful you are full of mercy and forgiveness and grace. I’m forever grateful you work all things for your good and your glory, even my horrible mistakes. Thank you for loving me when no one else did.” Tamar might be thinking as the Savior is born from her family line. (Genesis 38)

“God, I rejoice that you opened my eyes when I was steeped in sin. You showed yourself to me. You gave me the courage to believe and hide the spies. You saved my family. And not only on that horrific night for my people, but for eternity. Thank you for ushering me into my new family. Thank you for making all things new. For making me new.” Rahab must be reflecting as she watches this glorious birth in her family line. (Joshua 2,6)

“I remember the day so well. The day my son was born. A day that seemed impossible years earlier, as I mourned the death of my husband; as I made that difficult decision to leave all I know and follow Naomi to her home…to my new home. Thank you, God, for providing in ways that still blow me away. You are faithful.” Ruth may be thinking as a new child is born in her family line. (Ruth 4)

“God, thank you for not forgetting me. Thank you for preserving my name; me, a Hittite, no less. Thank you for taking even my earthly pain and making something beautiful out of it.” Uriah, the murdered husband of Bathsheba, might have thought as he watched the birth of the King of kings. (2 Samuel 11)

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 The Giving Keys employs people transitioning out of homelessness.

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