In our family, each new birth is anticipated with joy and concern. We are delighted that there will be a new child to hold and to love. We are concerned about the health of both parents and baby. We give gifts of love and practicality; we ask after the well-being of the mother and encourage the father with words of support.

Even in my large immediate family, when Mom and Dad announced that a new baby was on the way, we were excited and anxious to welcome the newcomer. Our resources were limited, but there was always room for a new baby. There was always love and welcome for our new sibling.

I still feel this way every Christmas season. I await with anticipation and joy for the arrival of the new baby. I worry about Mary and the journey that she had to take right before her expected delivery date. She had to ride on a donkey! It was not a smooth, quick trip; it was over a rough and bumpy road. She had to have been so uncomfortable-and so scared.

And what about Joseph? (One of my true Biblical heroes!) He must have been worried about Mary’s safety and health and the coming of the little one. How difficult that trip to Bethlehem must have been for him. Then to arrive and not be able to find comfortable accommodations for his growing family. He must have felt so inadequate in the face of such responsibility. He knew that this child was someone very special and his duty was great.

I hope that Mary and Joseph had family and friends to support and comfort them. From what we read in the Gospels, it sounds like they were on their own. However, I like to fill in the blanks with a network of people who came to their aid, but didn’t make it into the narrative. I see many folks, in addition to the Wise Men, bringing gifts of love and practicality; meals and diapers; blankets and toys.

When this new baby was born on that cold winter night so long ago, most people didn’t know or appreciate the incredible impact that He would have on the world. However, they were filled with joy at His birth even as we are still filled with joy at His birth and His gift of redemption.

And His love; His unconditional love. Yes, God loves you unconditionally! Always and Ever! Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas.

Terri

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace”
(Isaiah 9:5)