One year ago today, on Christmas Day, I found out I was pregnant. A Christmas miracle and the ultimate gift. The gift of life.
Throughout the 9 months there were uncertain days but the one thing that kept me going was dreaming of the moment Josiah would be placed in my arms. With pregnancy, anticipation grows and grows and you are left eager for the moment of your baby’s arrival. The moment you will stare at them breathless. In awe of the miracle. You give thanks and you savor. Hoping to memorize all the details of your gift.
The print of teeny tiny toes
The squeeze of itty bitty fingers
The softness of wet red lips
The smell of new life snuggled up under your nose.
You take it all in and you ask yourself. Who am I to deserve you?
Today I am reminded that 2,000 years ago a mother held her son for the first time. Staring at the gift of life.
The teeny tiny toes that traveled from golden streets to the the dirt of a Bethlehem manger.
The itty bitty fingers that would flex on a cross and beckon “follow me”
The wet red lips that will one day kiss our tears away.
The smell of new life snuggled right up under her nose.
Did she ask too? In breathless awe and wonder “who am I to deserve you?”
If you are sitting next to your tree with empty arms this year my heart aches for you too. I hope you find peace in remembering God gave you the ultimate gift years ago. The gift of life Mary unwrapped is a gift for you too. Jesus- “God Saves” The gift of eternal life. The anticipation of the whole old testament arrived when God stepped through the galaxies and laid himself in a manger. Placed himself in the softness of baby skin. The King of Kings in flesh.
Lord, who are we to deserve you?
Take a moment today and listen below. Marvel with Mary in the gift of life. Her baby boy who will one day save the nations.
You’re Here by Francesca Battistelli
Josiah