Do you love to hear a good story? I enjoy stories passed down through generations and in literature. And I’m especially fond of stories told as first-hand accounts of actual events. But what about the Christmas story?
Have you read the Christmas story in the Bible? How have others told the story?
I wonder how Mary, the earthly mother of Jesus, felt and experienced the birth of the Christ child. Or, what it was like to see Jesus grow into a man and fulfill His mission.
Perhaps Mary’s thoughts went something like this.
Christmas Story : First Breath of Grace
He took His first breath. The first breath of grace. Wrapped in a swaddling cloth, though adorned with royal titles. Wonderful. Counselor. Prince of Peace. Holy King. Immanuel. The Ancient of Days.
The Lamb of God created the star placed in the heavens to announce His arrival. The light of the world.
I held Him in my arms, so overjoyed. Barely minutes old and seemingly fragile. But this baby embodied the fullness of the Godhead. Such power later demonstrated when He cast out evil spirits and even raised the dead to life again.
I studied every feature as mothers do when handed a newborn. Gazing intently at Him, I saw the goodness and greatness of God.
Christmas Story: Child to Man
Looking into His eyes, they would one day see into the hearts of men. I watched His mouth when He yawned or cried, wonderful, powerful and life-giving words He later spoke. Commanding even the winds and waves to obey Him.
Placing my hand on His chest to sense a strong heartbeat. The day was coming when His heart—broken and betrayed by many—offered forgiveness to all.
I held His hands and noticed His little fingers. The same hands would gently caress those who needed comfort and healing. Touch eyes restoring sight. His hands stretched out to give us love and life, pierced by nails.
I examined His feet. Yes, five toes on each one. I’d felt them kicking inside me. These feet carried Him to speak to the masses, walked on water and were pierced with nails.
Embracing Him as a mother tenderly draws her child close, snuggling Him near to my chest. Yet, His embrace offers us more warmth and security than any earthly mother ever bestows.
How ironic I nursed Him to sustain His physical life, whereas He is the very Bread of Life.
I delighted in watching Jesus grow from child to man. There was no one like my Jesus: His smile, voice, presence and spirit. Possessing great compassion, humility, love and tenderness.
Christmas Story: Calvary’s Cross
Then, I found myself at the foot of the cross sobbing. Why, son?
“Though he was in the form of God…he emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men…he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:6-11 (ESV)
Besides being His mother, I also welcomed Jesus into my life and heart. I worshiped Him as Lord and Savior. And He desires that you welcome Him into your life and heart.
Because His Holy Word shouts, “Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah” Psalm 24:9-10 (ESV)
(Mary, the mother of Jesus)
The Lord of Hosts
The Lord of hosts came that first Christmas night in Bethlehem for all who are willing to welcome His glory into their hearts and lives.
Lord, we swing open wide the gates of our life and the door of our heart for your grand entrance as we worship you, the King of glory.
Featured image courtesy of Adobe Express.
Last week’s post by Patricia Holbrook: The Best Christmas Gift You Can Give.
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I so well remember while yet in the hospital, in the stillness of the night being alone for the first time with each of my children. As I sat, I gently and slowly unwrapped them from their swaddling to examine their tiny fingers and toes. How precious to realize Mary must have done the very same thing with her newborn except it was Jesus – “But this baby embodied the fullness of the Godhead.” May we not lose the wonder of His birth in the midst of all the celebration. Beautiful post, Karen!
Thank you, Joanne. I remember those moments, too. I want to keep the awe of Christ at the forefront of Christmas and my life. Merry Christmas!
To hold your new baby creates a sense of awe. To think your child was God’s son must have been indescribable. I look forward to hearing Mary’s account one day.
Exactly, Debbie. It will be wonderful to hear it from Mary herself. Merry Christmas!
This is creative, Karen! Thanks for the unique approach to considering Jesus’ coming, life and death! Merry Christmas to you!
Thank you, Bethany. Merry Christmas!
It is so easy to forget that these were real people with all the same struggles, joys, and emotions we feel. Thanks for taking us there is such a beautiful way.
So true, Donna. Real humans with real human thoughts and emotions. Merry Christmas!