Luke 2:(1-7), 8-20
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see--I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
A few select verses from Luke’s telling of this familiar beloved story of Jesus’ birth stands out for me this year. They are verses 6-7a, “While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger . . .”
There’s nothing like a newborn baby to bring smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts. We are moved by their vulnerability, helplessness, and dependence on others. It takes care, nurture, and love to help an infant thrive with hopes of reaching their potential.
Here, something special has taken place as was foretold. We picture young mother Mary tending to her newborn while Joseph maintains a watchful eye and comforting presence nearby.
What did Mary see and experience when she first cuddled her baby close and looked into Jesus’ eyes? When a baby looks into your eyes there is something that takes place, a kind of instinctual love that cannot well be put into words. Meeting a baby is special. It is a soul-to-soul bonding which many mothers describe as a love, “like I’ve never known before.”
I wonder what Mary was thinking. Was she remembering what the angel Gabriel had said to her?(see Luke 1:26-38). After all, she did conceive while still a virgin and birthed a son as he had said. Could her baby really be the Son of the Most High?
Excerpts from a popular song* come to mind, “. . . Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod? When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God. . . . Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect lamb? That? sleeping child you’re holding is the great, I Am. Mary did you know?”
Maybe that is how it is with God who comes to meet each of us in a unique way. God wants to unite with us, love us, and wants our love in return. In this holy season may we look into the eyes of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. May we welcome him anew to bond with us, nurture and love us through this life and in the life to come. Oh, the possibilities of how we can grow and thrive in God’s love!
Prayer: O Creator, Redeemer, and King, you love us so much! You left your heavenly realm to come to earth to live among us as one of us. You want nothing more than for us to accept your love and to love you in return. Thank you for helping us relate to you through Jesus. Help us show our love for you by loving and caring for others. Through Jesus the Messiah we pray. Amen.
*Mary Did you Know: by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene. Copyright Word Music and Rufus Music c/o Giather Msuic Co. 1991.
Rev. Annette Carper
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