Doubt at Christmas

Doubt is not a common theme at Christmas. I like the way Adam Hamilton (The Journey, 2011) compares Joseph with "Doubting Thomas" upon hearing Mary's news:

Joseph was the first person in the Gospel who doubted; he might be considered (with "Doubting Thomas") the patron saint of doubters.

Interesting. Hamilton (The Journey, 2011) also remarks that "doubt is not the enemy of faith; it is often the doorway to a deeper faith." Even more interesting.

For better or for worse, I am not a doubter. It is fairly easy for me to believe in Spiritual things that I can not see, or fully understand. Yet, I yearn for a deeper faith. Hamilton (The Journey, 2011) suggests that we may overcome doubt by "remain(ing) open to possibilities." I think the same is true for people who, like me, find faith in God rather easy. The "doorway to a deeper faith" for me is remaining open-minded to the possibilities. God is not finished with humanity. He continues to influence humanity, and teach us His truth. It is not that His truth is changing, BUT it could be that as He continually reveals His truth, WE are changing.

I have added this ornament to a Christmas tree for as long as I can remember. Raggedy Ann has nothing to do with doubt - she is just a Christmas memory.... :-)