Romans 8:18-30
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.
18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:18
Paul’s vivid imagery takes on more significance during Advent as we consider Mary experiencing the waiting, backaches, swollen feet and the numerous bodily changes and discomforts while pregnant with the Prince of Peace. God became flesh in her womb, not bypassing the messiness of human bodily existence. God in her womb meant God in her nausea, God in her exhaustion, God in her labor pains.
By entering the world through Mary’s pregnancy and childbirth, Jesus redeemed our bodily existence; complications, dysfunctions, messiness, and all. The incarnation declares that our bodies matter, that physical suffering is not outside God’s concern, and that redemption includes our bodies, not just our spirits.
This Advent, if you are experiencing an autoimmune condition that makes it exhausting to get through the day, an aging body that is more uncooperative than ever, or a chronic migraine that interrupts your tasks, know that Mary’s pregnancy means God has entered into precisely this reality. Because Mary carried Jesus through the messiness of pregnancy and childbirth, we know that God is redeeming every part of our bodily, messy, groaning existence.
The practical implications abound. First, we can honor our bodies as part of what God is redeeming, instead of treating them as obstacles to spiritual growth. Rest becomes cooperation with God’s gracious design rather than laziness, and seeking medical care is stewardship of our bodies rather than a lack of faith. Second, it is an invitation to extend compassion to others with groaning bodies. If God could assume the bodily limitation of Mary’s womb, we can certainly meet others with dignity in theirs, whether it is a colleague living with depression, a student struggling with undiagnosed ADHD, or a parent dealing with chronic pain. Third, we can give thanks in all circumstances, including physical challenges, not because pain is good, but because our perspective has shifted, and we know it is both temporary and incomparable to the coming glory.
This is part of the hope of Advent: that as we groan, we are pregnant with glory. Glory that makes our present suffering pale in comparison. Reflect today on the things you groan about and confess the coming glory that they are not worth comparing to. Then wait patiently for it.