The story of Mary and Joseph and their expectancy of the baby Jesus is quite unique. Mary and Joseph had plans. Yet those plans were altered by an unexpected announcement that Mary was pregnant. Joseph had to be convinced that Mary was the ‘virgin’ Mary that he thought he knew. So, how could she be pregnant? The Bible tells the story of the journey of Jesus’ birth in Matthew 1.
Rev. Enoch Fuzz, pastor of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, knows about journeys. He is in the midst of his own journey with stage four lung cancer. As he understands and accepts the fact that all things are a part of God’s plan, he says: “It ain’t easy.” While he feels his journey is miserable, he says his journey is a different kind of misery.
Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ. After Joseph accepted Mary’s pregnancy as an immaculate conception, he traveled with her. Along their journey they encountered many obstacles, including not having a place to rest or prepare for the delivery of the one who would one day become the savior of world. Nevertheless, they made due with what they could find—a stable where animals were kept and a manger ordinarily used as a food troth. With that, Jesus’ ‘humble beginnings’ were more than just words. And yet, he was born and went on to fulfill the prophecy.
Everyone’s journey is different and can prove to be difficult from one season to the next. However, we are all in the same ‘coronavirus journey’ of the unknown. For example: Rev. Fuzz had plans of his own. This time last year, he was preparing an event that celebrated Christmas: ‘The Best Christmas in the Whole Wide World’ at Corinthian MBC. This year, he is on an unexpected journey.
“I’ve measured the tremendous impact of the many prayers for me,” he said. “The doctor’s positive prognosis is a result of prayer. My suffering is a result of God’s plan for me. I’ve accepted that weeping lasts for a night, but joy comes in the morning. It’s still not easy. No, it’s not easy. But yes, there can be a Merry Christmas!”
Rev. Fuzz has a beautifully decorated Christmas tree with lovely gifts underneath. He sends Christmas greetings and looks forward to family and friends having a safe and joyous season. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus and Rev. Fuzz continues to believe and pray in His name for all God’s people. And he thanks God for all of those who are still praying for his journey while they struggle with their own journeys.
Continue to pray for Rev. Fuzz’s health and his healing. Readers are also encouraged to check on him through his Facebook posts and continue to follow his journey, ‘Cancer: My Journey in Time’ by reading each week’s installment.
