Remembering the Holy Birth

Do you remember when your first child was born? Or perhaps your first niece or nephew? Or your first grandchild? The birth of a baby is such a big reason to celebrate. But the first child is so new. Everything you do is a first: the first bath; the first, second, third, fourth... diaper change; the first feeding; the first time in the crib; the first car ride home; the first time holding a new baby; nearly all of the firsts are worth recording in a baby book.

Imagine Mary and Joseph as they walked/rode the final mile of their trip to Bethlehem. They must have been exhausted and dirty and thirsty. Yet, they had no time to choose a leisurely bath, God's Holy child was about to be born! So they quickly accepted use of the inn keeper's stable: the place for the baby Son of God to be born. 

"O Come, All Ye Faithful" was an old Latin hymn, attributed to John F. Wade in 1751 as Cantus Diversi. The words of this hymn are familiar to many who sing Christmas carols. "O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem! Come and behold Him, born the King of angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. Amen."

"So Joseph 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 room for them in the inn," (Luke 2:4-7 NIV).

I wish I'd known what I know now, when our boys were born. But, I was young and easily influenced by the world where nursing your child was not popular. Our first son was colicky and my doctor was unsympathetic. He grew up with asthma and allergies. Five years later, it was more of a trend to breast feed and I was determined. Our second son was healthy and happy.

Dear God, we are excited for our Christmas celebrations, welcoming baby Jesus. We sing, "O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord." Help us to focus on Your Son and the mercy He brought us. Guide our hearts in worship and praise as we remember Jesus, Immanuel, born in Bethlehem, and His perfect life here on earth where He taught us to love others. We remember Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for us to have salvation. We thank You, God.  Amen.