Yes, babies waiting to be born think, have feelings, talk, and do a lot of moving around. Every expecting mother knows this…right Mom!
I wonder what baby Jesus was thinking. Like most babies, he probably wasn’t too anxious to come into the world. He probably said to himself, “What’s the hurry. I’m in a warm comfortable place, plenty of food, room for exercise. What’s the rush?”
But, baby Jesus was different, as the world was about to find out. Not only did he have an earthly Mother and Father who were anxiously waiting his birth, he also had a “Heavenly” Father. This Heavenly Father knew where the world was heading and made the decision to give his only son to Mary and Joseph. He had a plan.
This Father knew what was ahead for his son. Thus, he told this tiny child, still in his Mother’s womb, that his birth would bring such joy to Mary and Joseph and joy to the world. He also told him, “As you grow into a man, you will nurture friendships and love.” What he didn’t tell him was that he would also become the victim of hate, treachery, and betrayal. Little did he know, only two days before his birth, the enormous pain and suffering he would endure during his final days on earth.
Despite all this, on December 23 (a very long time ago), a small child began to kick and squirm deep inside his Mother. He was telling her,” Mom, I think it is time.” Also, in a far-off place…three Kings saw a star high in the sky. They didn’t know what it meant but they did know this – they had to follow it! And follow it they did. Upon arriving, they knew they were witnessing a miracle. This miracle would save the world – the birth of the Christ child – the baby Jesus.
It was now December 25. This infant, who Mary and Joseph called Jesus, took his first breath and greeted the world. Like most newborns, he must have thought, “Woo, what happened? Where am I? What am I doing here? Can I go back?” But, he adjusted to his new world and walked where no man had ever walked before. Did you ever wonder what it would be like to walk the hills, valleys and streets where Jesus walked? Climb the steps that Jesus climbed, carrying the cross on which he would later die. One day – some day!
He died that day because of our sins. I wonder what he is thinking today (December 23) two days before his birth, so many years ago. In two days, we will celebrate his birth –a birth that brought hope and love into the hearts of so many.
So as you awake this December 25, think about that small child. Think about what his “Heavenly Father” sent him to earth to accomplish. Feel the love that Mary and Joseph felt for each other. Think about friendships and forgiveness and never lose sight of hope.
Many times I begin my stories with a quote. However, this time, I would like to end with one. From Sandra and me to you on this December 25, 2006: “To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. If we think on these things, there will be born in us a savior and over us will shine a star, sending its gleam of hope to the world.” – Calvin Coolidge, December 25, 1927.
Don’t be afraid to follow your “shining star”!
Jesus, the man we often forget. But he never forgets us.
