A Prayer about a Most Beautiful Irony
When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom and the grace of God was on him. (Luke 2:39–40 NIV)
Dear Jesus, I don’t know if I’ve ever thought about irony being beautiful until today. But it seems that everything connected to you reveals beauty in one way or another. Joseph and Mary were such faithful and loving parents from your conception on, helping you grow and become strong. After you were born, they did “everything required by the Law of the Lord” on your behalf. But little did they realize it was you who was born to fulfill everything required by the law of the Lord for them and for us!
Oh, wonder of wonders! My heart sings and soars as I reflect upon your humility, your kindness, and your servant love for us, Jesus. You came not to destroy the law but to fulfill it on our behalf. What I could never do, you’ve done for me. What I could never be, you became for me. The law demands a righteousness and a beauty that come to us freely and fully in you, Jesus.
Your last words from the cross, “It is finished,” have become my first words of freedom. It’s not my obedience but yours in which I trust. It’s not my righteousness but yours in which I boast and rest. By the same grace you saved me and you are now changing me.
As this gospel continues to make me sane, I’m trusting it will make me more and more whole, more and more like you, Jesus. Fulfill in me everything you desire for me as a spouse, a parent, a grandparent, a child, a friend, a neighbor. Show me clearly and specifically what this will look like. There’s nothing more I could possibly want from the rest of my days in this world. I pray in your most glorious and gracious name.
Amen.