A Child is Born

The birth of a child – what a momentous occasion.

We love to talk about the births of our children. Our first born arrived after many hours of labor in a hospital and city where my husband and I knew no one. On that day before Thanksgiving, her tiny self sparked joy that has never diminished. Our second child made her debut on the eve of a major hurricane. We were evacuated from the hospital and could not go to our home because of a mandatory evacuation. We spent the next few weeks with my mom as the cleanup from the hurricane was completed. It was a blustery beginning, but she completed our family with her love.

God was particular in telling the story of His Son’s birth as well. He recounted details that give us a picture of the time and the circumstances, and he tells of the joy found in Jesus’ birth.

He told of the era and political climate. Rome was in charge, and Caesar August was the Emperor. He issued a tax on the people of Judea. Cyrenius was governor of Syria.

He told of the circumstances. Joseph travelled with Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem. This was around 70 miles, but depending on the route could have been closer to 100. Though others travelled with them, this could not have been an easy journey for a young girl close to giving birth.

He told of their ancestry. Both Joseph and Mary were descendants of King David. In the Gospel of Luke, he traces the lineage all the way back to Adam. No mistake was made in the selection of the people who would parent the Christ child.

He recounted the difficulties faced. Mary was betrothed to Joseph, not yet his wife in the full sense of the word, and she was pregnant. This in itself created a difficult start for the young family. When they reached the town of Bethlehem, they had no place to stay, no place for Mary to give birth. They talked with an innkeeper who allowed them to use a stable.

He gave the specifics of the birth. Jesus was born in that stable and swaddled in a manger. Angels announced his birth to shepherds, who were the child’s first visitors. A special star shone in honor of the Savior’s birth. It caught the attention of magi from a far country, and they began their journey to see the newborn king.

The information is all there in a few chapters in Matthew and Luke. God was particular in giving us the story that fulfilled the prophecies given hundreds of years before. Even though difficulty ruled the time for the young couple, the trials could not stop the JOY that came from his birth. Angels sang. Shepherds rejoiced. And Mary pondered the wonder of all of the happenings.

God’s message to us this Christmas is the same as the message the angels delivered to the shepherds. “Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11 – 12).

God’s message has not changed, and neither should my response. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).

God sent a Savior to a lost world. He sent the Savior to me. This Christmas I will celebrate this truth.

Won’t you join me?

Dear Father, Thank you for sending your Son, for seeing through the years and knowing how much my heart would need him. Thank you for the peace you give. Glory to your name!

O come let us adore Him.O come let us adore Him.O come let us adore Him,Christ, the Lord!

(John Francis Wade, 1743)