A Tiny Child
Meg
"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them" (Luke 2:1-8, NIV).
With little E, I didn’t have the privilege of experiencing a Christmas pregnancy. There’s something marvelous about feeling those first flutters and movements right at Christmastime. It truly is my favorite time of year. Christmas is such a beautiful celebration of a tiny baby who came into this world and saved us all from our sins. Its so awesome to think that Mary carried Jesus, just like me. She felt Jesus kick and squirm in the womb. He came into this world so tiny and seemingly insignificant. But His mother knew better. The Gospel of Luke tells us that Mary "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" Luke 2:20, NIV. She considered, cherished, and loved life in the moment, because she knew that her child had a far greater purpose. She wouldn't be able to control His future, but she could definitely store up memories and enjoy the present.
Mary knew from the beginning that her son was the chosen one, the one who would bridge the gap between life and death. In reality, He is anything but small and weak. But he came into the world as such. He knows what its like to be human and God. And that fact is extremely comforting. Our Lord had the full human experience. He really does understand my daily struggles. He understands, carries me through them, and gives me such beautiful blessings in the process, such as this child in my womb this Christmas. Can I feel anything but blessed?
Merry Christmas, my friends. May God's blessings be rich to you this Christmas day, even in the midst of trials.