Advent begins tomorrow. I’m not sure we would want things to be like the first Advent. There were a lot of interruptions in people’s lives. Isn’t that what happens when Jesus comes into our world? Nothing is ever the same again.

A wise pastor told me as my journey in ministry was beginning that ministry is all about interruptions. When a pastor’s plans are interrupted it is most likely that someone else’s life has also just been interrupted.

Christian Love will always walk the paths of life prepared to change plans and directions if it is the Lord’s will to do so.

For a few years Joseph’s carpenter tools were untouched. His plans were exchanged for the life of a refugee. Mary’s wedding plans were put aside for an unplanned motherhood. The night watch of shepherd’s was interrupted with an announcement from Heaven. The inn keeper was not planning on having to feel guilty because he had no room for a couple of needy people at his door.

A star caused magi to drop their nightly wonder, and travel for weeks to find a baby who was born King of the Jews. Herod was angry to think that a baby would interrupt his kingdom, and young parents in the land grieved his cruel wrath.

We live in a world at its worst, and a world at its best. It is in such a world that Immanuel came. He is the great interrupter of all that is evil; He is the Light that interrupts darkness, and the Savior who has interrupted death. “Come, O Come, Immanuel.”