Tis the season for the Christmas story to be at the forefront of people’s lives. And in the forefront of that story is the little town of Nazareth. Gabriel was sent there to tell Mary that she was the one whom God had called to bear and give birth to His Son, Jesus.
Nazareth…a very small dusty town. Pretty much a place one would pass by rather than linger there for any reason other than to perhaps get a drink of water. Larger, more exciting towns were nearby.
Years later, when Jesus was calling His disciples, Philip went to find Nathanael. He told Nathanael that they had found the One foretold by Moses…Jesus, of Nazareth.
Nathanael’s response?
“Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?”
That seems to be the reputation of Nazareth in a nutshell.
But Mary lived there, and her betrothed, Joseph. Two unknown people in an unknown town…a town nowhere mentioned in the Old Testament or early Jewish literature.
But the angel said that Mary had found favor with God.
How? How do you make a name for yourself in Nazareth, of all places?
But that’s just it. Mary didn’t set about to be noticed by God. She wasn’t trying to do great things. She simply lived her life for the glory of God in every mundane daily task that was a natural part of living in Nazareth.
Less than an hour ago I stood by Aaron as he had his third seizure in four hours. This one was very hard. My heart hurts.
Afterward, I sat by our Christmas tree and pondered this life that God has given me. In many ways, I can say that this is my Nazareth.
I have had a taste of the “other” side of life. Awards, travel, lots of ministry, etc., etc.
But as time has gone by, my world has narrowed a lot. The life of a long-term caregiving parent is not exciting. It is not a life that others point to as they wish they had MY life.
And all of my fellow caregiving friends know “the look.” It’s the look that crosses a person’s face when they ask what you do or if you can join in this or that, and you tell them your situation. So often there is no real understanding. Sympathy, perhaps. Compassion, sometimes.
But it’s like they don’t know what to do with you.
Kind of like being from Nazareth.
But God has a purpose for each of His children in His kingdom. Even us Nazareth folk.
For God says that He works all things for good in the lives of His followers.
I have good purpose, right here in my Nazareth.
For every piece of wet bedding washed, every meal cooked, every bathroom cleaned, every doctor appointment, favorite show watched and game played, every story listened to for the 500th time – is just what God has for me to do where He has put me.
He put Aaron with us. I can look at my life with him as my ministry or as a misery.
Human nature makes us feel that we’re not really being of value unless our calendars are full of events and we are free to come and go as we choose our opportunities. And this is wonderful for many people.
But for my other Nazareth people…whatever your Nazareth is…know that there ARE good things that come out of Nazareth.
Claim your purpose where God has placed you!
Be faithful there in the messy and the mundane.
In so doing, you are bringing delight to God…and there is no higher calling.
Even in Nazareth.
He Said What?! 
Oh my Patty, you are ministering to many more than you know and in ways that few others can. Jesus lived such a mundane life in His Nazareth that it shocked the neighnors when He began His ministry. God bless you and Gary and Aaron. May you know much of the peace and joy of Jesus right where you are this Christmas. If none of us here on earth understand, Jesus certainly does and He holds each of us in His arms.
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I love your encouragements and your heart, Pete. May God richly bless you and Nancy.
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Amen and amen. . . “know that there ARE good things that come out of Nazareth.”
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God is faithful! Blessings, Manette!
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Fighting back the tears here, Patty. I agree with Pastor Pete above: you are no doubt ministering to many more than you know as you press on with perseverance and courage through your 24-7 responsibilities! You always provide encouragement and inspiration to me.
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Thank you so much, Nancy.
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Thank you for the words of encouragement although you may not realize how encouraging you truly are. I have a son who has seizures and dealt with three on Sunday and as some days happen and I feel I may not be able to take another step in life and deal with all things that are happening I read another one of your messages and we know we are not alone, not the only one who deals with these things in life and another step or walk is able to carry on. Thank you for all your encouraging words. My son is 33 and lives at home with me.
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This means so much to me, Kathy. I’m sorry about your son. I would love to communicate more with you. Please feel free to email me at moorepr@cox.net. May you feel God’s nearness each day.
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Prayers for you as you continue your Calling.
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Thank you!
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That was so well said that there’s really no words I can add… and you know how wordy I can be. Thank you for this beautiful post!
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You make me smile, Ann. Thank you for reading.
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You always have such wise encouragement, Patty. I love these words, “know that there ARE good things that come out of Nazareth.”
What a strong truth to cling to, especially knowing that the inspiration of it points to Christ. ❤️
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Praise God for the good He has for us in every situation! Thank you, Alicia.
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My mama (Kathy) commented on your last post, she said that post really connected with her and encouraged her. Thank you, Patty.❤️
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I appreciate you letting me know that. Please give Kathy a big hello from me, her fellow sister on our Nazareth road.
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You can be assured I will do so. ❤️
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There is so much about this post that I love Patty! “Mary didn’t set about to be noticed by God. She wasn’t trying to do great things. She simply lived her life for the glory of God in every mundane daily task that was a natural part of living in Nazareth” and “Be faithful there in the messy and the mundane. In so doing, you are bringing delight to God…and there is no higher calling.” But my ultimate favorite which spoke such encouragement to this Mama with a teenager who is struggling deeply with anxiety and depression and brought tears to my eyes was “But for my other Nazareth people…whatever your Nazareth is…know that there ARE good things that come out of Nazareth.”
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Bless you, Beth. Oh, my heart goes out to you in your Nazareth. I am stopping right now to pray for your teenager who is struggling. May God give you much grace and may you be able to say with Gabriel, “For nothing will be impossible with God.”
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Thank you Patty! Your prayers mean a lot!
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Patty, I am so sorry you had such a hard night. I pray Aaron is feeling better. I think many of us are Nazareth people in some way. Thank you for sharing your insights. You write beautifully and I always look forward to reading your next post. As usual, God had a message for me in your post today. May God bless you and your family richly!
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Thank you, Cindy. Love you!
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Love you, too! 🤗
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Having a full calendar and all the demands put on you that come with it is one thing. But when your world has seemingly shrunk, I pray you feel that peace of knowing you are exactly where the Lord wants you to be. May you feel His presence as you never have before, and the unique honor of serving Him as you are serving “the least of these.” ❤
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Thank you so much, Ann. That means a lot to me.
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