Faith, Hope and Love
His eyes a deep blue, He gazed up at her. There was a chill in the air, but He was warmed by her touch. Mary had never experienced such a loving look as she did in this moment, staring down at the precious baby in her arms. She traveled for miles on a donkey with a man who was not the father of her baby, all to give birth in a stable. Dirty, straw filled stalls surrounded her and the stench of cattle and animals hung in the air. A feeding trough was the only bed for her baby, an old manger filled with straw. In return, God gave her the essence of faith, hope and love.
As she gazed down at the wonder wrapped in rags in her arms, he nuzzled in and nursed at her breast. For a moment, his eyes rose to meet her’s. She could see the world in those eyes. The world that was in need of faith, hope and love. Little did she know that this precious little one was and is all of those things. His arrival brought light into the darkness, love where there was hate, peace where there was war, hope where there was despair, and faith where there was disbelief. Her “yes” and complete trust in God is what brought us a Savior. Mary birthed the Christ child into the world, and for this moment, He was all her’s and completely dependent on her. She was His home, the God bearer, the pure, young virgin that was the mother of Jesus Christ.
The Greatest Gift
As a mother, I cannot imagine what it must have even like for Mary. She was told she was pregnant by an angel, and had to endure 9 months of pregnancy while avoiding the scrutiny of others. She had to travel for days to Bethlehem on a donkey, only to have no place to stay when she arrived. Mary had no medical care, no clean or sterile environment in which to give brith to Jesus. There were no medications or epidurals either. How she got through this experience is unfathomable. And she did it all out of love for God and trust in His will for her. She gave her “yes” without question, and loved without limitations the precious babe she held in her arms. To her, baby Jesus was the greatest gift, as He was and is for the whole world. A gift of faith, hope and love.
Giving birth to my babies and having them in my life has been the best gift I could ever receive. This Christmas, I marvel in the magic of the love that I receive every day from my little boys. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. The moment I was first able to gaze into the eyes of my sweet babies, was like nothing I have ever experienced and I will remember it forever. I only wish to give my children patience, gratitude, trust, faith, hope, and unconditional love, just like the mother of Jesus Christ did for Him.
Our Role Model
Christ Jesus came into the world an innocent baby. He did not come with a crown, a glorious robe, or anything that would call attention to him as a great king. He was completely helpless and dependent on His mother. What a role Mary had to play in the beginning as caretaker, nurturer and teacher. Isn’t this our role as mothers? And what a beautiful role it is. To have the responsibility of raising our babies just as Mary raised Jesus. We could not ask for a better example of the perfect mother.
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to all of you mommas out there. I hope you take a moment to appreciate your babies in a special way this year, no matter how old they are. When you are faced with the challenges of motherhood, take a moment to remember the first time you looked into your baby’s eyes. In that moment you said “yes” to being their home forever. Cherish their love, and they will cherish yours.
I would like to leave you with the lyrics of this beautiful song, Breath of Heaven, by Amy Grant. It is a great reflection on the experience of Mary carrying Jesus and giving birth to him.
“I have traveled many moonless nights
Cold and weary with a babe inside
And I wonder what I’ve done
Holy father you have come
And chosen me now to carry your son
I am waiting in a silent prayer
I am frightened by the load I bear
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone?
Be with me now
Breath of heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness
For you are holy
Breath of heaven
Do you wonder as you watch my face
If a wiser one should have had my place
But I offer all I am
For the mercy of your plan
Help me be strong
Breath of heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness
For you are holy
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness
For you are holy
Breath of heaven”
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