A Child is Born

Great news! We have a brand new granddaughter.  Maryn was born November 27 and weighed in at 7 lbs. 6.7oz.  I know that her parents are so proud they could bust.  I know, too, that they are filled with hopes and dreams for Maryn and her future. And this brings me to my point.

We are very soon going to celebrate the day of Jesus’ birth.  Although a birth of humble beginnings, I have no doubt that Mary and Joseph were filled with hopes and dreams for Jesus’ future, not unlike new parents of today. We bring our babies to the church for baptism and have done so for hundreds of years.  Mary and Joseph “brought the child Jesus into the Temple to do for him what the Law required. . . “(Luke 2:27). Both rituals are cause for celebration.  

Yet how much celebrating would we do if we heard the words that Simeon said to Mary: “This child is chosen by God for the destruction and the salvation of many in Israel.   He will be a sign from God which many people will speak against and so reveal their secret thoughts.  And sorrow, like a sharp sword will break your own heart.”    (Luke 2: 34, 35)

We celebrate Christmas with food and gifts.  We spend time with friends and loved ones and rightly so.  We celebrate the birth of the One who would later sacrifice his life.  Let us keep is mind that this Child became the hope for our future and the future of many generations. A Child is born. Jesus, the greatest gift of all, is with us! 

By Judy Michaud