As I sat listening to the telling of the Christmas story during my first pregnancy, my perspective on it was forever changed. And the Christmas following the birth of my daughter changed it even more. Seeing things from a mama's point of view tends to do that.
Perspective on logistical things, like traveling on a donkey during the third trimester of pregnancy. A donkey. I had issues traveling via car. And what about potty breaks?
Sleeping on the ground while nine months pregnant. No pillows?
The smell of the animals in the stable. I could hardly stand the smell of a fridge.
Giving birth in a stable. A. Stable. With. Animals. With your first child. Not knowing what to expect.
Mary was a champ. I know this is all silly but part of Mary's life and things I cannot even envision.
Then there is the emotional side of it. Giving birth to the Savior of the world was a pretty big deal. And the responsibility of raising him was, too.
The love that Mary had for Jesus was different than that of anyone else.
One of a mama. A chosen mama, who was with child before she was married. The love of Mary for Jesus is unimaginable.
There is nothing like the feeling of your baby being placed on your chest after birth and the first looks. The first official meeting of the one who has been wiggling and moving and poking around for months. But meeting the Savior of the world after carrying him for months and looking in to his little eyes and touching his little hands, that I cannot fathom.
You're Here by Francesca Battistelli really conveys this aspect of Mary as a mama. Have listen.
I don't know how long I'm going to have you for
But I'll be watching when you change the world
Look at your hands, they're still so small
Someday you're going to stretch them out and save us all
Having a child is like having a little piece of God with you. God has given you his creation as a special gift. Whether through birth or otherwise. A gift none the less. A gift to raise and teach and mold. To give laughter and life. You do not know the length of the duration or what he or she will grow up to do but you have him none the less. You get a front row view to watch as he changes the world, little by little, with whatever God has made him to do. It can be daunting to think of the outcome of decisions you have to make while raising and all the what ifs or if you mess him up. But God has grace to give and wisdom to guide. And Mary was already in charge of raising the Savior of the world, so no pressure on you.
Praying that this Christmas season you will look at the Christmas story a little differently, as well as your children. Praying that you would see the gift in each smile and laugh and all the learning and discipline. Praying that you would see the humanity of Jesus, our Emmanuel, God with us, as well as his glory. Praying you would truly enjoy mamahood this Christmas with gratitude and love.
Here's to mamahood and Mary. Here's to the birth of Jesus.
And just in case you missed the past few Music Monday Christmas edition and looking for some Christmas tunes, here they are: