Merry Christmas Eve all! This is one of my most favorite times of the year. Christmas music blaring, the fire blazing, hot cocoa in hand and lights everywhere … it truly is a magical time of the year! And I think now, more than ever in years past, do I realize the true miracle and glory that was shown when Jesus came to earth. A virgin, Mary, became with child with the Prince of Peace. In the midst of shots, pills, ultrasounds, surgeries, blood work and patience, the realization that there was a real pregnancy, a real child, a real birth is incredible. What courage, anxiety and hope Mary must have been filled with!

I think about all the tender moments that Mary share with her precious newborn son. Remembering the Jesus was fully human, I think of all the nights she stayed up late trying to get him to calm down and go to sleep. The first smiles that might have just been gas but still made her so excited; Joseph gagging over the first really stinky diaper; the arguments about whose turn it was to get up to soothe his tears. The giggles, the first steps, the first words. It all makes me smile and appreciate even more the humanness of our Lord. We talk about Him going to earth in the flesh and dwelling among us. And this is what it means – He was born on this earth to become a sacrifice for each of us. I cannot imagine the sorrow God felt when He knew that His son was born to die. I can’t even imagine having a child, knowing it would be a sacrifice. Yet that’s exactly what happened.

So often we read and envision Christ as a 30-something year old adult man, sharing stories, breaking bread, walking with His disciples. But, during this time especially, I urge you to stop and reflect on the beauty of His flesh, birth and childhood.

“My plan for your life is unfolding before you. Sometimes the road you are traveling seems blocked, or it opens so painfully slowly that you must hold yourself back. Then, when time is right, the way before you suddenly clears – through no effort of your own. What you have longed for and worked for I present to you freely, as a pure gift. You feel awed by the east with which I operate in the world, and you glimpse My Power and My Glory….As you persevere along the path I have prepared for you, depending on My strength to sustain you, expect to see miracles – and you will.” – Jesus Calling

Savor His goodness and His glory, His presence and His power, His humanness and His love … Merry Christmas!