I have to get the knot out most mornings. Our son simply loves to twist his hair. It used to frustrate me, but now I know that it’s what he does. It’s part of his process and it’s part of mine. To nurture him instead of nag, to comfort him instead of pouring salt into an old wound. It’s so simple, so innocent and either way, I love him to pieces.
Lately, as I parent and we get deeper and deeper into this amazing Christmas season, I think about Jesus’ mother, Mary. Did she fuss over his hair? How did she handle his mistakes? How did she display grace and patience as Jesus developed into the man God designed Him to be?
It’s amazing to think about what God has knitted into our children and the role we play in their nurturing and development. And I’m thankful for the role Mary played in the story of Christ’s birth.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
All of this goodness was already wrapped up in this tiny bundle and it reminds me of several things.
I’m reminded that even though people may turn you away, unable to understand and unwilling to help, as they did Mary, when God places a gift in you, you must give birth to it. As uncomfortable and less than ideal as it may seem, and even when the world behaves as though it’s insignificant, God can use the gift He placed in you to His glory.
I’m also reminded that not everyone will be pleased by your obedience to God. You may have to take what He’s given you into hiding, in order to protect and grow it into its fullness so that it can accomplish the goal for which it was intended.
The King of Kings and Lord of Lords was born to humble beginnings and that didn’t interfere with His purpose. He understood His own need to love, learn and listen to elders, gleaning their wisdom. He worked hard and prepared, nourishing and cultivating himself, knowing that His time to serve and fulfill His Calling was coming. He didn’t just sit idly by waiting for the cross. He made His presence, and our God, known while He was here on Earth.
Lastly, I’m reminded of God’s everlasting love. I’m oh so thankful that He made it possible for Jesus to step out of eternity and away from his side, to come to Earth and endure life and death to save little, messy me.
Jesus truly is the greatest gift and His story is what unites us all. The birth of Jesus Christ. The sacrifices that He made. His saving grace. It affords us all the same opportunity, the same chance at relationship redemption and restoration.
May we each know Him in a greater way, as we celebrate His birth and teach those still in need of Him that no matter how you began your journey or what you’ve gone through, if you trust and obey God, you can grow to make an amazing impact on the world.