Jesus was born to a young unwed mother.

She was engaged at the time, but her fiancé was not the baby’s father.

Like many, Jesus emerged from the womb into messy human drama, uncertainty, and the immediate threat of violence.

But while Mary’s pregnancy and the subsequent birth wasn’t the result of longterm human intention, it was part of God’s plan.

In that same way, none of us (and none of our children) were born outside God’s plan.

Despite Mary’s fearful surprise at learning she would give birth to Jesus, God was not surprised.

Despite Joseph’s deep disappointment at hearing about the pregnancy, God anticipated Jesus’ birth and the plan for his life with great joy.

In that same way, every day, no matter what happened yesterday, God nourishes us with fresh breath, always eagerly anticipating the unfolding of the plans for our lives.

New life, new breath with every day. New hope with every breath. Despite our fears and disappointments. Despite our harshest circumstances.

God’s gift means hope.

Like Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, each one of us participates in that hope, as we listen daily for God’s guidance, as we draw in the breath of life, as our lives unfold, according to plan.