Lectionary Readings: Isaiah 9: 2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2: 11-14; Luke 2: 1-20.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, unto the City of David which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David) 5to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, who was great with child. 6And so it was that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2: 4-7 KJV
History tells us that women have been carrying babies and delivering them without the benefit of hospitals and professional care givers for centuries. As a nurse and as a mother, I am very grateful that I have lived in a different age. But looking at Mary’s pregnancy and delivery experience I am still in awe. The entire experience must have been overwhelming—the journey to Jerusalem during the last month of pregnancy on a donkey; the labor and birth in a stable with no record of any assistance of a midwife, mother, cousin or other family; and the lack of the amenities of home such as water, bedding, etc. According to the Gospel of Luke, his birth was heralded by angels who sang to a group of shepherds and they became the baby’s first visitors. And yet, in these humble beginnings, Mary brought forth the son that she knew was also the Son of God.
Fast forward to 1995: my house fire occurred the morning of December 7th and I spent a week or so in the hospital for smoke inhalation. My son, David, and I were homeless and living with my brother. My speaking voice was gravely at best, I couldn’t sing and was still very weak, but I wanted to attend JM’s Christmas Eve service. My son and his fiancé volunteered to drive through the icy weather to escort me to JM. The picture is a little more complete when you know that Kirsten was also “great with child”. David notified me the next morning that Kirsten was in labor and my firstborn grandson made his entry into this world at about 6:30 pm on Christmas Day. Austin was the most marvelous gift and immediately changed our lives!!! He was surrounded by family which included multiple generations, as well as a host of immediate and extended family members. He was attended by professionals who measured and evaluated all his bodily functions. The room was filled with light and was warm and pleasant. Mother and baby were healthy and doing well.
The “birth story” for these two babies was very different, but the boys were no less loved or warmly greeted. Both of these babies were very precious to their mothers. However, God had very different plans for their lives. God loved us so much that he sent his only son to earth to become a human who would ultimately give his life for all of our sins. This marvelous, extravagant, matchless gift of love would change the world. Two thousand years later, we are still trying to understand and accept this life changing gift. Many of us struggle to believe that we are loved to that degree because the sacrifice of a son would be more than a mother or father could bear. But that is exactly how much we are loved by God.
This great gift, given just for us, is that we are loved just as we are. God loves us with all our flaws and cracks, rough edges and faults. When we offer ourselves to this love, we are enveloped in the loving outstretched arms of one who is delighted with us and sings and rejoices that we are his. He calls us by name, reminds us to “be not afraid” and loves us beyond our understanding. Just as a baby lifts up its arms to be held, God offers us a baby to love, once again on this Christmas Day. This baby will change our lives and show us that love is indeed the greatest gift of all.
“Love came down at Christmas
Love all lovely, Love divine;
Love was born at Christmas;
Star and angels gave the sign.
May you be showered with Christmas Blessings today and always!!
Chyrl Budd
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