We've been so very blessed and I want to share a little something that has been on my mind...
As I sit and rock sweet Emily to sleep I usually sing "Jesus Loves Me" but since its Christmas I've been singing "Silent Night" and "Away in a Manger". Mostly I hum out loud b/c I'm sure I'm getting the verses mixed up in my head. Anyway, the words and story in those songs have really touched me more this year than ever. A baby changes EVERYTHING, but more significantly, the birth of Jesus changed our world. I feel a little more connected to Mary now that I have a baby than I ever have. Makes sense, right, that maternal instinct. I just can't help but wonder a few things about that night in Bethlehem so very long ago.
First of all, how did she do it, without drugs that is?!?! All the mamas out there that did it get props in my book b/c I chickened out. More importantly, Mary gave birth to our SAVIOR! What an important job she had.
Second, can you imagine holding that tiny babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and thinking "you're going to save us one day"!?!? What an awesome responsibility. I hope and pray that Emily has a wonderful life and grows up to do great things, and I know that Blaine and I are committed to raising her in a loving Christian home. We have a lot of responsibility but nothing compared to Mary and Joseph.
Lastly, how wonderful it must have been to celebrate the birth of Jesus for those shepherds and wise men right there when it happened! We were so overwhelmed with joy when Emily arrived that if I had been there knowing I was seeing Jesus, my heart might have exploded! The miracle of life is awe inspiring in itself, but the birth of our Savior is something to celebrate BIG TIME. I'm talking heavens rejoicing and angels signing celebrating! He is going to save us y'all!
The story of the birth of Jesus is just so special b/c without him we would be nothing. But along with his birth we have to remember his death and the reason for it. Right after Emily was born I remember having this realization that God sacrificed his one and only son to die for our sins. I mean, I knew and believed this most of my life and I understood that it was a tremendous sacrifice but not until I had a child myself did I fully appreciate his love for us. He sent his SON to die for YOU and ME. Wow. I cannot imagine the heartbreak he must have felt doing that, but I am so grateful. So very grateful. I know that as a human I could not have done that. The love a parent has for a child is crazy but God loves us crazy plus infinity.
So this Christmas celebrate the birth of Jesus and thank God for sending him to save you. For without Jesus we would be nothing.
Merry Christmas y'all!
