Friday, December 08, 2006

The Birth of Jesus

When a baby is born, all eyes are fixed on the newborn child. The doctors and nurses are concerned for the health of the new one. Eager to catch a glimpse of the tiny baby, family and friends rally around the couple. As soon as everyone is satisfied that the baby is healthy and happy, attention turns toward the mother. How is she doing? Does she know how to look after her baby? Is she mature enough to put her baby's needs before her own? Oftentimes the father is forgotten or brushed aside.

Nevertheless the father's first reaction to his wife and newborn child is very important. It sets the tone for the emotional foundation of this family unit. Although all children are a gift from God, a firstborn child is very special. When our first child was born, I woke my husband up in the middle of the night and told him I needed to go to the hospital. He quickly dressed and carefully set my suitcase and me into the car. Eagerly he drove to the hospital and then quietly sat with me for hours. After Debra was born, my husband rushed to phone our families. He was so excited that he told everyone she was three feet long! Actually she was twenty-two inches.

Consider for a moment God the Father's reaction to the birth of Jesus. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, God promised to send the Saviour. After two thousand years of planning and preparation, Jesus was born at the appointed time. God the Father sent his angels to tell the shepherds the good news. An angel told them, "I bring to you good tidings of great joy, which will be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10,11).

The Father is filled with great joy because the Saviour is born. Jesus will complete the work the Father sent him to do. It is guaranteed. This marvellous salvation will be available to all people. Many angels joined the first angel and sang, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14).

May you know the peace of God by trusting in the Saviour today.
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