Each year brings a different attitude about Christmas. I suppose this has to do with many factors within our lives. Ten years ago, we were ten years younger; had no great grandchildren (although they are really a lot of enjoyment and have a special niche in this grandmothers’ heart). Our second generation was of course ten years younger – which meant thinking of their wishes and hopes in a much different way – a gift of modest means was still a great thrill to both giver and recipient. Little eyes would glow with a lovely new doll, or truck.
What is the bond between a parent and baby, especially a mother and her baby? Somehow, miraculously, when a newborn is placed into a mother’s arms the maternal instinct is so strong she can hardly wait for the little bundle of joy to be placed in her arms. After the initial trauma of birth for both mother and infant, the bond is quickly formed. Our first child weighed only four and a half pounds at birth. I carried him on a pillow for fear of dropping him. From the beginning, this kid was pretty resilient, and in days now past we would proudly cheer as he competed in power-lifting tournaments. Today he is a big man, a strong, wonderful grandfather of three and children all love him! He has found a place in his heart for the good things of the Lord and he is a blessing to all – the entire community speaks well of him.
The book of Luke has always been my favorite "Christmas" story; I’ve taken the liberty to write "my account" of the story:
The group of travelers were finally nearing Bethlehem. Mary shifted ever so slightly on the back of the small donkey. The child within was becoming impatient to make his appearance. Joseph looked with concern toward his betrothed. He sensed she was uncomfortable and was worried that the child might arrive before they could reach the city.
"Mary, are you going to be okay for a little while longer?" he asked quietly. "If only these people knew how uncomfortable I really am.. I must be strong and not delay our arrival", she thought. Caesar was not known for his patience, so the travelers pressed on far into the night.
This will be a strong child, Mary mused as the little one moved within her womb. More than anything, she wanted to be in a comfortable bed with a midwife close at hand. Within her heart, she knew that her time to deliver was close. The secret only she and Joseph hared about who this unborn child actually was, was a heavy burden for such and young woman. But she did not complain, although her back ached so. The back of the donkey was very uncomfortable by this time, even though it seemed he understood he was carrying precious cargo and tried to walk as gently as he could.
"Caesar sure doesn’t know how to schedule his census," someone in the party grumbled. Mary could only agree in her heart. But the law was set and it was required that they be there to be counted.
"I believe I see the city ahead" one of the men cried. Mary and Joseph hoped they would find a room so Mary could rest and he could make preparations for the arrival of the holy child. "Surely the Lord will provide a place for the Christ child to be born," he thought. "We have come so far and we must find a place for Mary soon."
With no empty rooms in the city, they settled for the only available place; a swept out stall. The smell and noise of the animals was not exactly what any young mother would prefer as a delivery room. But when the time came, Mary knew that she was in God’s care and that her precious son, Jesus, would arrive safely. We all know the end of the story. But each time we ponder those days and hours we are reminded that God never fails to take care of His own.
And so it is today – we continue to be grateful for all God’s blessings. Not without abundant challenges on all fronts, we find the grace of our Lord readily available; we have only to ask and trust His word.
As we leave summer and fall behind for another winter, we have much to reflect on and much for which to praise the Lord. We look on world events and those in our own country and wonder where will evil strike next? If we follow current events, and we are well advised to do so, we are told we must be on alert at all times. Ironic, isn’t? The Bible has been telling us since the beginning of time that we should be on alert – lest we fail to recognize that we can so easily become complacent and lukewarm. (I Peter 5:8 and Rev 3:15,16).
All is not gloom and doom, however. We look around and see the blessings, grace and mercy of the Lord in these unsettled times. He has made provision where there seemed to be none – He has blessed us with health and energy to conduct the business of the day. He is pouring out His Holy Spirit on His people – what more can we ask for? This world is not our final destination – and all that crosses our path is for the purpose of making us stronger and bolder in the Lord.
Our prayer is that we not be filled with fear in these troubling times; be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. We need the peace and joy of the Lord this Christmas season more than ever before. He has never failed His children; he will sustain us in the coming hard times. Peace and Love to all.
