There seems to be an expectant stillness tonight. All is calm, the tree so bright.
As I tuck my own sweet girls in tonight, it's hard not wonder what it was like on that first Christmas night-and the events that led up to it.
We were so excited to be expecting-dreaming up nursery designs, the perfect names. Our friends and family spoiling us with gifts, love, and encouragement. Strangers would smile as I wobbled through WalMart, 'laden with child.' Tests and doctor trips, phone calls to update everyone...for me-'cankles,' stretch marks, and ten months (only men say you are pregnant for nine months!)-were more than worth it. To share some small part of creation, to feel life move within you is so amazing.
But it wasn't like that for Mary. Here she is promised to this guy, she's kept her body pure waiting for him. Like something on 'Days of our Lives' she discovers she is pregnant...but not from a doctor...an angel of the Lord tells her that she has been chosen to carry a child. In shock, she needs to confirm what the angel Gabriel said.
Luke 1:39-45
At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
She tells the man she's promised to-dread filling her heart as she unconsciously places a protective hand on her flat stomach. Joseph was a good man...but that's a lot to soak in. He was the type of guy you brought home to mom-always putting in an honest days work, fair with those he dealt with, thoughtful of others, and of good lineage (the house and line of David-Luke 2:4). Mary's parents must have been waiting, breath held, as they eavesdropped on the conversation. What would become of their daughter if Joseph would not keep his promise? The Bible tells of the fight within Joseph's heart. (Matthew 1:19) He didn't want her disgraced, yet the child was proof of her impurity, right? As he planned to divorce her quietly an angel appeared to him in a dream. He stepped out in faith-they quietly prepared for the birth of this Jesus child. The Bible leads us into the decree that went out-even in those days taxes were a reality that waited for no man. While pledged to her (not sure on customs back then, but the verse reads as though they are engaged/'promised' but not married, Luke 2:5) the little one is born.
I had a wonderful midwife, my husband supporting me (even though we had to wake him up!), a clean room, and of course of most import...an epidural!
Mary was so tired already-traveling so far and carrying such a burden...in her womb and heart.
While having contractions, Joseph is frantically pounding on doors, asking for a room and a clean bed. Finally they were given a corner in a barn. While most would think of the negatives, Mary strikes me as the type that wouldn't have been bothered by the odors emanating from the barn floor, the noises of the animals in the next stall over. Of course, when you are in labor, your focus is single minded...get that child out and count fingers and toes.
The girls had so many visitors those first few days in the hospital. My girls had paparazzi their first year of life-photos of every first...tooth, haircut, steps, strained peas...if we didn't catch the mind blowing moment (I mean really, surely no other child is this intelligent and beautiful?!) rest assured the rest of the girls 'groupies' would have triplicates made by the next day.
Mary and Joseph celebrated-not with family and friends, through an announcement in the paper-with shepherds and barn animals (not positive on the dates of the wise men and their visit, but it was when Jesus was older). The shepherds did a great job spreading the word after their visit. And don't feel too bad for the baby...I'm pretty sure Jesus is the only child heralded by the Hallelujah Chorus courtesy of angels. Pretty impressive.
Luke 2:8-12 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Luke 2:13-20 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
I so love that little verse..."But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Mary may not have had digital cameras, HD camcorders, and scrapbooking paraphernalia-she had crisp, clear life changing memories recorded on her heart. After all...it's pretty tough to forget a personal conversation with an angel! Later, as her son Jesus grew in stature, wisdom, and favor - Luke records a similar verse (Luke 2:51). Like many mothers, Mary had an innate ability, a mommy instinct, to realize the importance of being a mother to this blessed child.
What an awesome privilege to carry a child, let alone three, to term to feel them move within me-to know their face and names.
What an awesome privilege and responsibility to raise the Christ child, God made flesh to dwell among us. And you thought Dr.Dobson set the bar high! grin
We always love reading the nativity story-this year Ryann has already asked for it several times. I hope you all will take time to remember what the Christmas holiday celebrates-especially those of us who are mothers. Think on, treasure time with your little one...like another Mary choose that 'one good thing' (that's a whole 'nother entry Trish! giggle) and teach your children about Him-through your life and love for them.
To all those who continue to be faithful prayer warriors for us-To all those who have touched our hearts, even though you've never touched our girls-To the folks who help us care for Rylee, her medical team, crazy PICU nurses!, therapists and family/friends-To those who read and check in daily but may never leave a note...
Thank you for loving us so much-it constantly humbles us that so many people care about our little family.
May God's peace and blessings fill your hearts to overflowing.
Merry Christmas and God bless-
The Family
