The Joy of a Babe

I can remember when both of my sons were born. First there was the excitement of learning I was pregnant, baby showers, lamaze classes, and then they each arrived.

I’m sure Mom and Dad broke all speed limits to get to Durham that January 4, 1992 to meet John. Here a proud Dad is holding his first born son dressed in UNC/little boy colors!

Thankfully my brother and his wife were here on March 27, 1994 and could drive the proud grandparents to Durham to meet Chris! Chris took center stage at Dad's 80th birthday party!

Friends and family visited, brought more gifts, shared the boys with us over the years, guided them in ways that parents couldn’t, and watched, as we did, as they grew to be the fine (and handsome!) young men that they are today. We are truly blessed!

(Thanks for letting me be a proud Mom!)

I was remembering these years while in the car recently, and my mind went to Mary and Joseph. Now their circumstances were certainly different, but what do you think it was like for Mary after her visit from the angel, Gabriel, telling her she would give birth to the Son of God? What would she tell Joseph and her family? Do you think she was excited to prepare for the birth? Did friends and family bring her clothing and toys and support her as we experience now? Or was she shunned? Were people talking behind her back and pointing fingers at her?

Think about this: In today’s world, babies bring us so much joy! From the moment we hear that the woman is pregnant; through the excitement of telling everyone and having baby showers; to the birth; and then the baby entertains us throughout the younger years and brings us pleasure (most of the time!). Finally they are old enough to live on their own and assume adult responsibilities.

Now think about Mary’s divine pregnancy - her tenuous relationship with Joseph until an angel visited him to explain; their days of preparing for the baby; a 3 month visit to cousin Elizabeth; then an arduous trip to Bethlehem to register for a census; and finally baby Jesus is born. They had no supplies; had to stay in the lowliest of environments, and had no family to celebrate with them. They had strangers to come visit - shepherds from the fields. (The wisemen didn’t come until Jesus was about 2 years old.) Strangers share in the celebration and wonderment of that birth. That sounds very different from our celebrations of birth today with family and friends.

However, Joseph and Mary loved their son and took great care of him, moving to Egypt until Herod died, and then returning to Nazareth. He brought great joy to his family. As He grew and learned the carpenter trade from his father, his parents must have watched him closely to discern what would happen to or with him for him to become the Son of of the Most High. But just like babies born today, Jesus brought joy. He brought joy as a baby and into adulthood. And He brought so much more!

Babies always seem to bring joy to our hearts. And they can continue to bring joy for years to come, just as Jesus did. But there is a difference in the joy which Jesus offers. The joy of Jesus is knowing He is Immanuel, God with us. He is always with us/inside of us regardless of what we encounter in life. He also leads us to eternal life with Him beginning right here and right now. What constant and neverending joy this brings!

There may be times during this Christmas season when it is difficult to be joyful for some of us, but please know that God is right here with us. He understands and knows that grieving or missing someone is a personal journey. He can never fill that empty chair, but He will be right beside you. That is the JOY of the Christmas season for me and my family. May you experience His devoted presence and deep love and everlasting joy!

Merry Christmas!

Thanks for stopping by,

Rachel