Few things stir our deep protective, nurturing instincts more than a newborn baby. Such sweet vulnerability resides within each child. Those tiny toes seem like a mini miracle in themselves. A simple grasp of tiny fist clinging to adult finger is a reminder of how fragile a new life is.

As we bend to a baby, kiss a brow, give nourishment, witness growth and change before our eyes, do we ever consider Mary, mother of our Lord, as she lovingly tended to her son?

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…” ~ Isaiah 9:6

Mary may well have pondered the years ahead for her child, Jesus, and wondered just what would happen to Him. His life spans eternity and earthly reality…

Hand that flung stars into space reduced to starfish-baby span—made calloused by carpentry, torn by sharp nails, pinioned to a cross of sorrow and shame.

A mouth that spoke creation into existence made milky-soft, dependent, to become a voice of wisdom, instruction and healing for others.

Feet used to circling the world with silent steps—now made to tread weary over dusty pathways, carry a heavy cross and be impaled there for our sake.

Arms reaching for a mother’s loving touch, become outstretched in poured-out love and grace to save the world from itself.

“and the government will be on his shoulders” ~ Isaiah 9:6

Head unsteady as a babe in arms—bleeding, pierced through with a crown of thorns.

[bctt tweet=”Jesus entered our life to give His life for all. #faith #Saviour #ChristtheLord “]

Body swaddled tender, close—hung on a cross, readied for death, burial and resurrection. Jesus entered our life to give His life for all.

The entrance of new life is usually a great cause for celebration. Mary’s child was delivered in humble circumstances, though His birth was prophesied hundreds of years beforehand, announced by an angel and heralded by an angelic choir.

“Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom” ~ Isaiah 9:7

Instead of being warmly welcomed by all around, Jesus was in danger for His very life, as an earthly king sought to kill Him.

Gifts were given that symbolised His life: gold for kingship, frankincense for His priestly role, and myrrh as an acknowledgement of His suffering and death to come.

[bctt tweet=”When we look at the Nativity infant, do we see the Man of Sorrows to come? #Jesus #Saviour “]

When we look at the Nativity infant, do we see the Man of Sorrows to come? Do we realise the huge significance of His coming to earth to die for us?

Sadly, few stop to see beyond the sweetness of a sleeping infant cradled in a manger, a child wrapped in swaddling cloth, helpless and dependent.

Many ignore the growing child becoming Jesus the Teacher and Preacher, a Man of Sorrows, the Messiah-King, Christ our Saviour and Lord of all.

Jesus willingly spent His life for us, for you and me.

As I celebrate Christmas this year, I will have the joy of spending some quality time with my toddler grandson, marvel at the changes in him since we were last together.

I will hold him close, boy-child as he has become, and do my best to play with him. And as I do so, my mind will stray to that first Christmas when Christ the Lord entered our earthly existence.

Gratitude will rise and I will thank Him for coming as an infant, as Mary’s child. For being Saviour, Lord and Friend, for His great gift of new life for all—now and into eternity.

[bctt tweet=”Jesus willingly spent His life for us, for you and me. #faith #Jesus #Saviour  “]

My hope and prayer is that your eyes will see Jesus in this way, too, as you celebrate His coming to earth.