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Sit With Me This Morning
I hope that the warmth and light shining from the Christ child have illuminated your Christmas season. Now that some of the rush is past, I invite you to sit with me and reflect on a part of the Christmas story you may have never thought of before. I originally wrote this piece about 9 years ago, but it is all the more fresh to me now that I’m nearly 7 months pregnant with our fifth baby. Find a quiet spot and reflect with me for just a few moments today.
“And she brought forth her first born son…”
This morning, my mind is on part of the Christmas story. I was reading parts of it from Matthew and from Luke, and this phrase stood out to me, “And she brought forth her firstborn son…” Now, I don’t know if it is because I’m currently expecting our second little one, but my mind is on Mary this morning! Such a neat little concise phrase- “she brought forth her firstborn son.” However, there was nothing magical and concise about it!
You see, I remember what nine months pregnant feels like. After a day of walking, my hips hurt so bad I could barely move. I was extremely uncomfortable and extremely ready to not be pregnant any more!
See, I delivered my firstborn son almost two years ago after 30 plus hours of labor- many of which were extremely difficult! We made the 45 min trip to the hospital in a nice car with comfortable seats and air conditioning. When I arrived, I received the best of care from the nurses and midwives, and my husband, my mother, and a doula were there to help me along and support me. I was also 24 years old. It was an experience that was profoundly painful and uncomfortable, but I treasure it! I had the best of everything.
The Ultimate Birth Story
I said all of that to compare with what Mary went through! First, the Bible rather quickly points out that Joseph and Mary went out of the city of Nazareth unto the city of David which is called Bethlehem. Nearly 70 miles separate these two cities! Whether on foot or on a donkey’s back, this was a difficult journey for anyone- much less a woman nine months pregnant!
When they arrived, there wasn’t even a nice place to rest, but a filthy stable! And then, labor began! How long did that last? Maybe it was short, but just maybe it was long, similar to mine! She was younger- most likely much younger than I was and alone except for Joseph, who I doubt had the benefit of Lamaze classes to show him how to be a great labor partner! She was probably terrified!
Emmanuel- God With Us
Yet, in the quiet of the night, she did bring forth her first born son! She called his name JESUS because he would save us from our sins! God with us! Emmanuel! What a beautiful, heavenly miracle; yet, God used a humble little lady, barely more than a girl, to accomplish His purposes!
God Can Use You
Are you feeling a little useless this Christmas season? Maybe a little insignificant? Am I feeling that way? God wants to use you in amazing ways when you, like Mary say, “Be it done according to Thy word!” She had no idea at the time what all that would entail. It wouldn’t be neat and concise, but it would become the most influential night in human history! The beautiful story of God’s love and amazing grace wrapped up in a sweet little baby! Never underestimate God’s power to use YOU! Ponder these things in your heart this Christmas Eve!
Concluding Thoughts For the Christmas Season
I hope that these are encouraging thoughts to bring you some peace in such a crazy time. Isaiah promised He would be a Wonderful Counsellor, the Prince of Peace. I hope you have found Him to be this in your life. It’s been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster this year for so many of us this year, but thank God for sending Emmanuel, God with us! He is our PEACE.
I’m grateful for you, my friends! Each one of you that have taken time to read a post or check out a recipe here this year. You have given me purpose with your encouragement and kind words! I hope you have the Merriest of Christmases, full of light and the love of Jesus!
Merry Christmas!
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More Christmas Content
How to Make Easy Cut Out Christmas Cookies – Life on Broomsage Hill
The Best Clean Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer – Life on Broomsage Hill
Make These Easy Three Ingredient Oreo Balls – Life on Broomsage Hill
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