For those of us who are privileged to be parents, we all remember the last month of pregnancy before our child was born (the women likely remember it differently than the men…), particularly if it was our first child. The first child brings with him a new adventure, a new beginning, and a DRAMATIC change in lifestyle! A parent’s world is truly rocked by the coming of this child. Everything turns upside down – it seems as if life, as you knew it, is gone for good – truth be known, it is. After one becomes a parent, their life will never again be the same. Even when the child grows up and leaves the home, there is a part of us which will never stop thinking about them as “our little baby.”
Over three million babies are born each year in the U.S. alone which means that millions of parents are constantly experiencing the expectation of the last month of pregnancy. They are wondering if the baby is healthy. They are concerned about what the baby will do when he grows up. They are concerned about the kind of world the baby will grow up in. And yet, all they can do is wait expectantly, anticipating what is to come and what the future holds for their child. I well remember all the eagerness, anticipation and angst I felt in that last month. I can only imagine how Joseph and Mary felt over two thousand years ago. Besides all the “normal” things a soon-to-be parent is dealing with, they knew that their child was no ordinary baby. Their child was conceived like no other child ever born. Their child was unique. While He would be born and grow up like any other child, His destiny was pre-determined and His coming would truly turn the world upside down.
In this season of Advent (Coming), let us all wait expectantly for the birth of Jesus celebrating the hope He brought into the world. This season should bring us great joy not just for the birth of Christ, but for His life, death, and resurrection in which lies our (only) eternal hope. As the angel said to the Shepherds on that Holy night,
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:10-14)
I wish you all glad hearts and joy in this season of Hope.
-Pastor Dave Jones