"It was just like any other day. I had helped out my mom in
the kitchen for hours, preparing food and collecting water. It was hot and my
feet had swelled in the sandals that were just a little too tight. There wasn’t
anything special about the day. Truthfully, there wasn’t anything special about
me. I am young and was just sticking to the ordinary life I was given. Sure, I
was engaged to Joseph. That was exciting but I was nervous too. I didn’t know
him very well; my dad had arranged the marriage.
But when the angel appeared to me I knew my life would never
be the same. He was a majestic creature, covered in feathers and empowered by a
shining light all around him. His lips did not move but he spoke in a voice that
drove straight in to the deepest part of my spirit. He began to tell me I would
bear a son; that son would be great and rule over a kingdom that has no end. What? I didn’t understand. I was a virgin. I didn’t know anything about
being a mom to a normal child, let alone the son of the Most High. My hands
began to tremble and in disbelief, I shut my eyes and lowered my head. I felt as if the weight of the world had just
been put on my shoulders. My legs buckled and I fell to my knees. I was terrified.
But as the blessed angel spoke to me his heavenly message began to whisper away
my fears with four words “Do not be afraid.”
At that declaration, I raised my head. Who am I? Who am I to be chosen this holy task? Who I am to raise this
child that will be the Savior we have long awaited for? Who am I to say “no” to
God? As the reality of the situation began to set in, my heart leapt and my
body shook with joy. One by one I bent my legs, then straightened them as I stood
up. Raising my head and with my arms outstretched high, I had no other response
to the angel except, “I am the
Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”
I cannot comprehend the events that have brought me to this
place; I cannot grasp all of the ways of God. I can tell you we had to come here to Bethlehem for the
census. It figures it would be the exact same time I was expecting this baby. Joseph
has been wonderful and led us the whole way on this long journey. When we got
here, I was exhausted beyond what words can explain. I didn’t even mind staying
here in this barn, this hay filled stable shared with cows and goats. I just
wanted to rest. The labor was painful, twisting and tightening the flesh of my
womb, as if ripping and tearing out every ounce of strength within me. At the
awaited moment the baby was coming, I held Joseph's hand as tight as I could,
holding to a confidence that this would be just as it was predicted. With a low
and quiet moan, I mustered one final push and slowly the baby arrived.
My son, who was to be named Jesus, was born! I reached out
and pulled him up to my chest… but it was I
that was drawn-in to Him. I wrapped
my arms tightly around Him but somehow felt surrounded by His presence. He has 10 fingers, 10 toes and is so tiny just
like other babies I have seen before but this is not an ordinary child. He has
an undeniable strength, limitless in His existence. There is a seriousness
about Him as if He already knows the weight of His birth is more than any scale
can measure. I am His mom but I am compelled to follow His lead. Instantly my
heart has surrendered to Him. I am in awe and compelled to worship this divine
Child. He has captivated my soul and I want to sing along with the unknown voices
all around me already praising Him. It is nighttime but it is not dark; with
this birth a light has dawned and a new hope is all around us. A lost and
broken world can rejoice as we receive this child. A savior has come; His name
is Jesus and He is Christ the Lord!"
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