Mothers’ Union Devotion for Christmas Day 2020
Mothers’ Union Devotion for Christmas Day 2020
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2. 7
I wonder what went through Mary’s mind as she gazed at her newborn son. Did she look for signs that he was different? Did she wonder how he would claim the throne of his ancestor David? Or did she just look at him with a tender mother’s love. The love that did not care whether he was a carpenter’s son or the Son of the Most High. Each baby’s birth is a miracle in itself, although some go smoother than others.
Some children come into the world surrounded by family. Others like Mary’s son are born in difficult circumstances. Separated from family and loved ones by war, famine, forced migration and in this past year – the isolation of lockdown and travel restrictions. Indeed, due to the birth in Bethlehem and the flight to Egypt, Mary herself might have been unable to share the joy of her newborn son with her family and friends until he was several years old.
Other people came instead. Shepherds, Wisemen, the people of Bethlehem and from the land of Egypt. People who came and gazed in wonder at this new life. Wondering what would happen to him when he grew up. The shepherds had an idea. They had been told by the angels. The Wisemen had an idea they had followed the star. I imagine that even those who had not been recipients of a heavenly message, instinctively knew that this child was a precious gift from God.
Within this small cloth-wrapped bundle of humanity, all the power and glory of God was contained. The power to bring peace. The power to bring salvation. The power to bring restoration. The light that shines in the darkness which shall not be overcome.
This Christmas the darkness may seem blacker than ever. We, like Mary, are cut off from family and friends with the potential exception of a few hours on Christmas Day. But we can still rejoice because the light contained in Mary’s newborn child has the power to turn our darkness into daylight. The babe in the manger is the embodiment of the power of resurrection which can bring healing into our hearts, restore joy into our lives and confident hope for a brighter future. This child is Immanuel – God is With Us. Sharing, saving and most importantly holding us in love at all times and in all places.
May the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Joseph and Mary and the peace of the Christ-child be yours this Christmas and may you and all your loved ones, wherever they are, have a very blessed Christmas.
Happy Christmas
Love
Revd Sandra
