A Baby Changes Everything

2008

Three years ago, the Christmas story transformed from a very powerful, familiar story of Jesus' birth, to a far greater understanding of his love for us. The story changed for me on December 16, 2008. Expecting a child in the midst of the Christmas season made me really think more about the Virgin Mary and the birth of Jesus Christ.  I was terrified of the idea of birthing a baby even under the care of doctors and nurses in a hospital. How must Mary have felt in a dark, cold manager filled with animals instead of doctors? 

Holding Noah for the first time filled me with a new found love that was unimaginable and indescribable. 

 This new kind of love I felt was an all consuming love. One that filled me emotions I had never experienced before. Instantly I was ready to do whatever necessary to care for, nurture,  protect, guide, raise, teach and love this precious child. The urge to shield this delicate infant from any and all pain turned my stomach into knots when the nurses drew his blood for the first time. As time has gone on, I have realized my  desire as a mother is not to be a "great" parent by reading books and getting advice from others, but it is to mimic Thee Great Parent, my Heavenly Father. He sent his only son, a precious baby boy born in the manager, knowing that he would grow to be crucified on the cross for our sins. Now knowing how excruciating it is to see my own child endure any kind of suffering, I cannot fathom how hard it must have been for God to watch His son die on the cross. Even more, the tender newborn hands that would grow to bare the scars of the cross for a sinner like me.  

Holding Noah's hands are a reminder of how God has shown me His indescribable love. Though it took childbirth for me to grasp a much greater understanding of God's love, I believe everyone has their own journey towards that understanding and it surely is not through child birth for everyone. My prayer though is that God uses something very powerful and meaningful in your life to show His love for you.

Now, three years later, in this Christmas season we await the arrival of another baby boy in our family. I look forward to the many ways God is going to use this child to draw me ever closer to Him. Noah is the best earthly gift Rob and I have been given. However, I pray this Holiday season you receive the greatest gift of all, the unconditional love from Thee Great Parent, that comes when you accept Christ as your savior. 

                

                                                                           2011