While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. —Luke 2:6-7
Can you imagine how Mary felt when baby Jesus was laid in her arms on that cold lonely night?
Thirty-two years ago a baby was put into my arms. After years of trying to start a family followed by several years of missteps in the adoption process, my husband and I were finally going to receive a baby. We were overwhelmed with gratitude that our fervent and constant prayers were being answered. We were also terrified, as most new parents must be, at the magnitude of the responsibility we were taking on.
We had waited years. Then we had waited three days since the baby’s birth. Now we found ourselves waiting endless hours to actually receive our baby boy. Those hours crawled by, filled in turn with anxiety, excitement and fear.
Finally Ms. Georgia was there, carrying a little blanket-wrapped bundle. I couldn’t believe it was happening. She placed the baby in my arms and I felt the blessings of God’s holy universe descend on me. A warmth enveloped the top of my head and slowly flowed down my torso to my toes. It felt like every atom in my body was vibrating with an indescribable love.
For Mary, an angel promised a baby boy, the son of God. Surely through the months of waiting Mary felt anxiety. Holding that little cloth-wrapped infant for the first time must have been profoundly overwhelming. Just imagine the divine love that enveloped her at that moment!
And the angels sang!
God of unfathomable love, prepare our hearts in this season of Advent to welcome once again the birth of the Christ Child. Open us to the mystery of Emmanuel, God With Us, so that we can feel your all-abiding presence in every facet of our lives. Amen.
Betty Schroeder