For Unto Us A Child Is Born!

I can’t believe Christmas is already here! It seems like 2022 just started, and now here we are, closing out another year and looking forward to all the new and exciting things that will come with 2023.

As we look back over this past year, I’m sure we’ve had some really great things happen and some difficult things as well. With each year, we realize more and more that life is precious, time is never enough, and the world keeps moving. That’s a tough pill to swallow. But even during the difficult seasons of life, there can be joy.

Something cool and exciting happened on December 14; my daughter Mia-Jane was born!

I knew I would love this little one so much, but once I held her in my arms, what I thought I knew was completely blown out of the water. Her due date was December 30, but she decided she wanted to be with us all for Christmas! As Abby and I were waiting for the arrival of our sweet baby girl, there was a feeling of excitement and a fear of the uncertainty of the unknown. We were anxiously awaiting her arrival and what that would mean for the two of us and both of our families. She is the first granddaughter on Abby’s side of the family and the first grandchild on my side. So, the anticipation has been great! When she made her debut on the 14th, Abby and I couldn’t help but be filled with an overwhelming sense of peace, joy, and love.

I think I’ve gotten a glimpse into what Mary and Joseph felt when Jesus was born and what the shepherds felt when the angel approached them in the field.

With our child, she brings a newness to our family. She is the first granddaughter! Our families have been waiting so anxiously for this child to be born so they can shower her with their love, and when they found out that she had been born, they couldn’t wait to tell everyone they knew of her arrival.

Imagine what the shepherds must’ve felt when the Angel of the Lord appeared to them and said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12). They were overjoyed and ran to Bethlehem to see where this child was born. I’m not sure if you’re excited about this season or if it’s the hardest yet for you, but I wanted to remind you that there is still joy to be found in the night. There is still love to be given and peace to be received. We need only to look towards the manager and remember the virgin birth of the little baby.

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9:6-7