SHARING THE JOY

 I distinctly remember the times my three children were born.  Perhaps childbirth is a perfect example of "No Pain-No Gain".  Childbirth is painful--no matter what your birthing story looks like.  As I have explained before, I had BIG babies with large heads.  That first go round---I sat on a pillow for 6 weeks after his arrival.(TMI!!)   The reward is well worth the pain, and the medical community has come a long way since I had children in diminishing the pain.  This is NOT an essay on childbirth.

The point is after the baby arrives---the parade of visitors wanting to meet the new arrival begins.   There I was having to ease down whenever I sat, and then, sitting on a cushion---a little embarrassing to say the least.  Then there is the lack of sleep.  By the time the last one arrived, my sweet friend who stayed with me in those early days, was insisting I nap.  The "Fear of Missing Out" reared its ugly head.  I wanted to soak in those early days---see the reactions of sweet loved ones.  She knew how badly I needed to rest, but I am stubborn to a fault and paid the price for my hard head by being exhausted.  We all love to see those brand new babies, smell that sweet baby smell, and gaze with wonder on what God has created.  What a special time those early days are---a time of great joy.

During these days of Advent, I think of the birth of Jesus.  Surely this ranks as a lowly  birth?  And yet---God sent those first visitors---to share in the joy.  The Heavenly Host had told them what to expect.  What must they have thought when they caught a glimpse of the surroundings and the missing regal atmosphere?  BUT---as with every birth--there is really no need for anything more than to gaze upon that sweet baby--hear those sweet baby sounds, touch that baby soft skin, and relish in the wonder of it all.  In God's planning--the place was perfect, the timing was perfect, and the visitors were perfect to introduce the long awaited Messiah to man.  From the lowly-poor shepherds to the rich regal Kings,  those visitors were the full spectrum of mankind---absolutely perfection in sharing the joy!

"Every good and perfect gift

comes down from the Father."

James 1:17