Fear of Inadequacy

This evening we come one last time to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Yet, I am sure I am not the only one who is here wondering, “Is everything done?” “What else do I need to do before morning?” Also deep down inside we may be wondering if what we bought will be loved and liked. I know I have my concerns about the gifts I bought for others.

In the morning most, if not all, will have opened the gifts and pictures will abound on facebook with what each kid/person recieved. With that it will be easy to compare your life, your family, your gifts—or lack thereof—and be left wanting. Maybe this is the first Christmas without a loved one due to death. Or someone has decided

Maybe you are here this evening and you are wondering if you have done enough. Am I enough? How can I do this? Maybe 2019 has been a year to be forgotten and you wonder can you go forward.

We have a fear of inadequacy.

Not being or having “enough”.

There were times when not being or having enough was part of Jesus’ life. In fact, here Mary cannot even provide for him what “normal” moms and babies have. All she has is herself and her ingenuity. Shortly after his birth, maybe 2 years later, the family would have to move away to a far away country, Egypt. They then move back to Galilee where she is normally from. Yet, at age 12 she loses Jesus, every parent’s worst nightmare. In fact, it took her and Joseph 3 whole days to locate him. Talk about being inadequate.

God’s power overcomes inadequacy. God’s grace overcomes being “good enough”.

The same God who created everything out of nothing. The one who could have a virgin give birth to a child. He can make your life something great in His eyes. He is capable but though being all powerful will never force himself on you, or me. God never “makes” us do anything. In one of the greatest mysteries of the world we have a free choice.

Our gift to Christ: being willing and available.

This is all Mary had and it was all God needed and desired. Throughout all of Scripture the reframe is who is willing and able to go as my servant to a world needing me?

Christmas reminds us God uses us especially when we are not enough.

Jesus came not to those who had it all together and the “perfect” or “right” place. He came to someone most would have considered inadequate for the job. Even Mary may have had those thoughts. History, especially the first Christmas reminds us we do not have to have the right circumstances to be acceptable to Jesus. We don’t need lots of stuff but instead an open humble heart is needed.

Tomorrow as you open gifts please do yourself a favor: give yourself grace when you are tempted to compare with others. Give yourself joy that what is required is not you be someone you are not but instead to be who Christ created you to be.