I recently read an article in Sojourner magazine by Josina Guess called “In Labor and in Rest” where she recounted that while in labor with her third child, her sister didn’t understand her pain and commented, “But you’ve already done this before. Why is it so hard?” Guess replied, “I haven’t birthed this baby!” You may be surprised, but the rest of the article did not explore sisterly communication tips. Instead it asked, “What will it take for Christ to be born in us when we have sighs too deep for words?” and it awakened in my imagination the concept that every Christmas is an invitation to welcome Christ in us again.
Jesus is not just a helper by our side. Throughout the Bible, we can read that by the Holy Spirit, he dwells within us. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 says, “For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.” In my experience, that’s what parenthood can be like. We are fragile clay jars holding great treasure. While we gain experience and wisdom, with each labor the struggle and vulnerability come anew.
As Guess states, “We haven’t celebrated Christmas this [emphasis added] year.” Obviously, there are many ways Christmas is different this year. Individually and collectively, we are not the same as we were in December 2019. As a Christ follower, the hope of Christ is unchanging in me though. Peace, joy, and expectation are always available by God’s grace. Because of this, we push. We focus on breathing. We are committed. We do what we know we cannot do in our own strength. There’s no going back. And we are in awe. Our love overflows.
Everyone has been made in the image of God. (Genesis 1:27) We have a constant reminder of God’s image stamped on fellow human beings. Every person on this planet was born a baby, just like Jesus. When we celebrate baby Jesus at Christmastime, we can be reminded of that. How we respond to Jesus and all those that bear His image can illuminate opportunities for growth and for praise.
Every year as we anticipate Christmas, we can use this season as preparation to re-welcome the Creator, the Prince of Peace, our Savior into our lives. Just as we nest before a baby joins our family, let’s tidy up and repent, let’s inventory what we have with thanksgiving, let’s celebrate with those who offer wise counsel, let’s rest and care for our souls, let’s glow from the inside by the power of Life and Love Himself in a way that makes even strangers smile, and let’s look at the many faces of Jesus like we’re looking at Him for the very first time.
Merry Christmas!
Emily
Real Moms. Real Life. 
Thank you!!
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