The mystery of life: so deep and complete
Helen Steiner Ross wrote of the mystery of life, which is a brand new baby. Babies capture the hearts of their parents and countless others. They are, as Ross said, “A wee bit of heaven drifted down from heaven above. A handful of happiness, a heart full of love. The mystery of life so deep and complete. Precious and priceless, so loveable too. The world’s sweetest miracle, baby, is you.”
Another author has written, “Until you’ve counted little fingers, counted little toes, held a little hand, kissed a little nose, soothed a little tummy, read to little ears, powdered a little booty, wiped away little tears, you haven’t known love.”
Often, we get focused on what is or isn’t happening and forget about love and hope. Love and hope are gifts from God in the babies and children He gives us to love. In my province this year, we were tormented with a persistent, deadly virus, scorched by heat, parched by drought, faced consuming forest fires, and last but not least, suffered devastating floods and landslides. These forces of nature made us remember what makes our lives worthwhile.
Consider these words, “Who says there is no magic in the world, have never experienced the birth of a child. Who says wealth is everything, has never seen a child smile! Who says this world is beyond saving has forgotten that children represent love! ” (and hope).
Christmas means different things to people, but for Christians, it is the celebration of the birth of the baby Jesus. “For to us, a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish it.” (Isaiah 9:6,7)
Matthew 1:18-24 explains, “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph had in mind to divorce her quietly. An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid, to take Mary home as your wife. Because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.’ When Joseph woke up, he took Mary home as his wife.”
When the baby Jesus was born of Mary, an angel of the Lord said to shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12) The baby Jesus makes our lives complete in love and hope no matter what happens or doesn't happen to us.
