Baby Story

 There was nothing super-natural about my children's conception.  There was no stress of treacherous travel just days before their birth.  No fear for lack of money.  No worry of a place to stay.  Their births both routine in a hospital sterile, and warm.  And each child was celebrated!  Surrounded by family praising God for the miracle of life, and the gift of a child.

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus"..."the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.  So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." - Luke 1:30-31,35

A super-natural conception

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David...He went there with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 

Hectic, tiresome, dangerous travel

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 the manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. - Luke 2:4-7

No birthing coach, no take-home outfit, no hospital, not even a cradle

There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby...the angel said to them "Do not be afraid.  I bring you good new of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you; You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger"...So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby who was lying in the manger. - Luke 2:8-16 (paraphrase)

Not celebrated by family, but visited by lowly dirty shepherds, strangers straight from the field

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. - Luke 2:19  

Not forgetting a single piece of God's unfathomable plan, not questioning the details - but simply treasuring up the miracle of God's love and provision. 

God, as the Christmas season comes to a close help me to treasure and ponder the way that you gave Jesus to us.  Give me understanding of your heart as I raise the children you've blessed me with.  Let me marvel in the miracle of life.  Let me trust in your provision.