Love is Born (Karen Saboe)

This will be a sign to you: “You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."  When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."  So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.   NIV Luke 2:12 – 2:19


When our daughter was born, I spent hours staring at her during the solace that came with a finally sleeping baby.  Those closed eyes.  That little nose.  Her tiny pursed lips.  The clenched fist curling up around the blanket’s edge.  I wondered  what her life would be like.  I prayed for her health and wellbeing.  I hoped for her dreams.  What is it about a tiny baby all wrapped up that brings a sense of wonder, hope, and overwhelming love and joy?

Love is born each Christmas season.  We seek the wondrous thing that happened.  We anticipate something.  I imagine Good News still trying to break through any darkness, and then beckoning us to a quiet place.  It is as if there is still a great company calling us to “go and see” what happened.  Dare we take another look beneath the blanket’s edge, into the swaddling cloth?   What can this Love bring to us into 2021?  What might the Good News be for us this Christmas season?  News of a Savior.  News of Peace, Hope, Faith, and Love.  Let’s ponder it in our hearts.