Unto Us a Child is Born

Dec 15

When I was pregnant for the first time, I often rubbed my stomach and talked to the little one growing inside my womb. I remember the first flutter like butterflies. When the baby began to grow, I could feel a heal or elbow lightly pushing on my skin. I do not think Mary was any different than me. She was stirred deep within her heart when she felt baby Jesus in her womb for the first time. I wonder what her thoughts were since she knew she was carrying the Messiah. What would He look like? How long would she be able to keep Him for herself? What would God expect of her as a mother?

Joseph surely wondered many things too. Knowing who was growing inside his wife’s womb, I wonder if Joseph pampered Mary and gave her special attention. How would this son be different from other children? What would be his role as a father? Would the Messiah want to learn Joseph’s trade as a carpenter? As Jesus astonished those he taught in the synagogue, they asked,

“Where did this man get these things? What is this wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of Jame and Joses and Judas and Simon?” (Mark 6:2-3 ESV)

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be on His shoulder. His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 NKJV)

I cannot wrap my mind around the miracle of our Messiah Jesus as a newborn baby. I wonder what emotions He felt as a child, knowing the life God had commissioned for Him. As we celebrate the birth and life of Jesus, we are reminded of the amazing gift God gave us through His Son. God sent this child as an example for us. We are called to be like Jesus. God had a plan for Jesus’ life, and he has a plan for our lives too. This time of year is about giving more generously to others. When I remember how Jesus lived so selflessly on this earth, He encourages me to give more of my time, my finances, and my attention to serving others.

When I’m in the grocery store line, if I have a basket full of items and the person behind me has only a few, I ask if they would like to go before me. I try to be one of those people who holds the door for the person coming behind me. Last week, I was walking past a woman on a riding cart in the store. She was struggling to reach an item. I stopped, asked if I could help, and after I did, she said, “Bless you for helping me.” I did feel blessed to be used by the Lord. My heart goes out to widows and those who are lonely and needy. There are children who will go without Christmas gifts if we don’t open our hearts and pocketbooks. There are many organizations helping people, and it is a great time to find one to invest in. It is always pleasing to take the time to listen, bless, and encourage. It is the little things we do that can make a huge difference in the lives of others.

This Christmas, make a difference in someone’s life; pray for people, serve people, give of your time or finances, and invite a lonely person to dinner that has no place to go. There are many ways to show God’s love, kindness, and care. The baby in Mary’s womb grew up demonstrating traits we should follow. Our kindness and consideration for others may open the door for a person’s salvation or a new friendship. Pray and ask the Lord what your role is as a child of the King. Scriptures tell us when we bless others, we are blessed.

The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped. (Proverbs 11:25 MSG)

Mary was mindful she carried the Messiah in her womb. She watched Him grow into His identity as God’s one and only Son, displaying all the attributes of God himself. This season, as we think about Jesus’ birth, let’s remember He was born to parents who were not wealthy nor did they have a position of power or influence. He was a baby born in a humble place, but He changed the whole world. Now it is our turn do our part in changing this world with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the example of our Savior, Jesus.

Let’s pray:

Lord, this is the season to celebrate your birth. Father, thank you for the gift of Jesus. We come to you with grateful hearts. Lord, help me be an example of You in my daily walk and be like Jesus. Open my eyes to the needs around me and enlarge my life in ways that are amazing. Amen.

Jan Grubbs

I’m a Bible teacher, author, and speaker, and I am passionate about connecting women to Jesus.

When I was growing up, my dad used to say, “Every day is a new day to Jan,” and it’s true. No matter what happened the day before, every day is new to me. Like you, I’ve had some great highs and some very difficult lows. In those hard times, Jesus always holds and comforts me.

If you would have told my mother I would become a writer, she would have gotten so tickled. She was a very particular English teacher, and everything I wrote made her want to pull her hair out! I was a “life is a bowl of cherries” kind of a girl. Fun, carefree, and the life of the party, I met my straight-laced, Baptist future husband at 18. We married at 20 and began going to church. I went through the motions, but I became a true believer at 24.

I love teaching women the Bible and seeing the light bulb come on. One time, I was preparing to speak to a group of women leaders, when I asked the Lord what to teach on. Immediately, He gave me the picture of us being the Bride of Christ. I am a hopeless romantic, so this spoke to my heart. I dove into studying Jesus as our Bridegroom, and it wooed me into a more intimate relationship with Him.

My husband always says I am full of surprises. No one is as surprised as we are that I’m writing, but Jesus isn’t surprised. He took my love for Him, my love for the Word, my love for women, and turned it into this ministry.

Each of us has hidden qualities that Jesus is waiting to bring out. As you linger here and enjoy my writing, I hope you come to understand Jesus as your Bridegroom and the depth of love He has for you.

Unto Us a Child is Born

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