Christmas came early this year. Our daughter gave birth to our grandson, Julian Roberts, on December 16th. Julian was a surprise to all of us when my daughter and her husband learned she was pregnant last spring and when the announced their good news to the family. Many of us burst into tears and screams of joy and elation at the good news.
Julian is so small and delicate and simply beautiful weighing just over six pounds. Her labor was difficult and she had to have help delivering him into this world. But they were quickly released the next day to enjoy their new family at home. As I held Julian in my arms, tears of joy sprung forth and I marveled at this new gift given to us for Christmas.
And I’m reminded of another gift given to us at Christmas…
“For unto us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) It was prophesied by the prophets for years, that the Son of God would be born in human flesh and would come to rescue us.
Who would have imagined that the God of the universe would humble Himself and step into flesh? Who would have fathomed that the Savoir, Jesus, would come as a fragile infant and be born in a humble manger to fulfill God’s plan for our lives—a plan of redemption?
As I held my newborn grandson, so small and delicate, yet strong and fragile too, I thought of the Son of God given for us, given for me. A baby is completely dependent on its mother for life, for sustenance, and for care. A newborn can’t even lift its head, let alone care for itself. How its it the God of Heaven decided to present Himself as the Savoir of the world, but that He first had to come as a babe? I marvel at the gift. I marvel at the mystery. I marvel at the wonder that “unto us a Child is given…”
This Christmas, we will be celebrating with joy inexpressible and also, we will be reminded of another Babe, so small and fragile, yet delicate and strong… And we will be reminded of the great gift of salvation and the true meaning of Christmas.
Beloved:
Rejoice, I say rejoice! For My Son was born to give you life, here in this world, but also eternal life. Christmas is My gift to you. For I loved the world so very much that I gave My only Begotten Son for you to experience life and that more abundantly. Come to Me with excitement and anticipation, like unwrapping a beautifully packaged gift. Celebrate the gift of life I have given to you. I love you My beloved one.
“For unto us a Child is born, to us a Son is give…” (Isaiah 9:6)
