And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
There is nothing sweeter than the feel of a newborn in your arms. I often envy Mary that God honored her with the privilege of holding the Savior so close. Knowing him so intimately, feeling his movement in her womb, experiencing the pain of his birth, then lying back in exhaustion, a smile of pure joy as she looks into the eyes of the one God has entrusted into her care. This child so frail, so fragile, dependent on the nourishment of her breast, looks back at her with complete trust for his wellbeing. All the while the chaos of the world ensues. Joseph had traveled with his pregnant betrothed because of the task at hand. The Census, the count was to be taken and a baby waits for nothing when the time has come. The new mother finds herself in an dirty stable, in a strange city, cold, dark, alone. And here she welcomes the Light of the World. Was she scared? I suspect terrified. Did she imagine this going a totally different way when God told her she was to birth the Savior? Perhaps. There was no hesitation, as babies allow none, so it was out of her hands at the moment of his arrival. The pain, the screams, the tearing, all for the Son of God. She didn’t ask for this, I assume she didn’t fully understand what was happening, but there was a bond, a knowing, and intimacy, she knew this child within her and every instinct kicked in as she birthed the newborn. And then with his tiny cries, it was over. The pain miraculously gone replace by joy and a love only a mother knows in that moment after birth. And there in the dirt Mary held to her the Son of God. Right there!! That’s what I envy. That closeness. Flesh touching flesh. The smell of him, the softness of his skin, the sweetness of his new face. Can you imagine? She knew him and he knew her. The long awaited Child was nestled in the arms of a girl and he had known her from before the foundation of the earth. And there was no fear. How could there be? To know the Savior is to know no fear.
But we live in a tumultuous world, fear is everywhere. And why? Nothing has changed since the time of His birth. Evil and good both exist. There is a fight for your attention and the control of your life. The evil distracts you, wants you to feel comfortable and safe, evil keeps you on the sidelines, tucked out of the way, just plodding through life, not making waves, just existing. But the Good, He gave His son and when he did, he meant business. He will stop at nothing to have you. He wants only good for you and promises to never leave you but requires faith and trust. He tells you from the very start of the relationship that it won’t be easy, but he’ll be with you. GOD WANTS YOU! Take a cue from Mary. God told her she was to bear His son. She trusted. She knew there would be pain. She trusted. And with great anticipation she carried the Son of God for nine months of pregnancy through to an excruciating birth and then stood at the foot of the cross as the Savior of the world fulfilled the promise. How could she stand it? Did she remind herself of the purpose as the tears flowed? Could she still feel him at her breast in need of her for life as he hung in death to give her live? The pain of this moment is too much to bear, but necessary in order to understand. He died that we might have life.
As we walk through this life, we anticipate His second coming. The world is lost, darkness is closing in all around us. But we must not be content to sit this fight out. This is our time. No matter what lies ahead or the pain we must endure, He has a plan for us, right here, right now. What is holding you back? Let God have it. What fear are you holding onto? He is greater that it. Whatever he is calling you to he has already paved the way. Mary did not know the detail of God’s plan, but she knew God. In that knowing, she trusted, and through that trust came the blessing. Trust Him. There is something beautiful that awaits.
Heavenly Father,
Help me to set aside the fear that keeps me from knowing you fully. Thank you for the gift of your son and the promise of eternal life. Help me to be the light in the darkness of my world. Help me to see that no matter how great or small the calling when it is from you I must act and step out in faith. Thank you for never leaving me and for a love that surrounds me so completely.
In your Son’s precious name, Amen
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