Interruptions

“Honey, it’s not polite to interrupt.”

How many times have you either said that to one of your kids, or you heard another parent say it? It just isn’t polite to interrupt.

Well, my life is filled with a lot of “impoliteness” – because much of my life is dictated by interruptions! In fact, if you are engaged in meaningful relationships and significant endeavors – interruptions are inevitable.

A frantic call from one of your children interrupts your life. Your friend “drops by” and needs to talk. The stock market tumbles and your plans for retirement are altered. The downturn in the economy results in an “interruption” in your job.

Interruptions are seldom welcomed. And – they are mostly inconvenient. So much so, that people who cause them often apologize while they are interrupting – “Sorry for the interruption, but . . .” Even TV broadcasters confess, “We apologize for interrupting this broadcast, but . . .”

I guess we don’t care for interruptions because we have a plan. A plan for whatever. A plan for the day. A plan for the future. A plan for the moment. A plan for how something is supposed to progress. Interruptions tend to disturb the plan.

Well, the Christmas Story is one inconvenient, incredible interruption!

“Greetings, Mary! You are highly favored. You will be with child and give birth to a son and you are to name Him, Jesus.”

“Joseph, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”

So much for the planned quiet life in Nazareth! These two folks will now parent the Son of God!

They join a long list of interrupted folks: Noah, Abraham, Gideon, Samuel, David, Elizabeth, Paul . . .

So – today I am thanking God for how He chooses to interrupt!

Your pastor,


Senior Pastor