Two Mothers

"Once upon a time." That is how fairy tales tend to start--"Once upon a time..." This is not a fairy tale, it's not folk lore, its a somewhat fictionalized true story about two mothers who each gave birth to precious baby boys.

Once upon a time two mothers had sons whose births are celebrated in December, but one infant was born in a stable and the other in a hospital.

One birth was attended by only the parents (and maybe an animal or two). The other birth had not only the parents there, but also a doctor, nurses, and a mother-in-law.

Angels announced one child's birth with heavenly singing and rejoicing while shepherds in the field watched their flocks.

Excited phone calls to family members announced the other child's birth.

Smelly shepherds were the first visitors to the infant in the manger.

Freshly washed aunts and uncles were the first visitors to the hospital.

These two sons were born in completely different situations, but imagine with me the similarities of the scenes. As each mother finally has her first moments alone with her son, she gazes at him in amazement. She counts his fingers and toes. examines his little ears and rosebud mouth, caresses his downy, dark hair, and kisses him gently on his cheek. He turns his head toward the touch, seeking food.

As each mom marvels at this beautiful, new life in her arms, she also wonders whose nose and eyes he has. Does he look like mom or dad? Will he be tall and strong? Will he be kind and gentle? Will he love to laugh and sing? Will he be a might man of God? Will he? Who will this tiny child grow up to be?  And she imagines what the future holds.

Each child in this story grew into a man. Each was strong, kind and gentle. I'd like to think they both loved to laugh and sing. I know they both became mighty men of God. Well, one was God, and the other was my grandson.

Although there are so many similarities in these two stories as well as differences, here is one difference, at least to me. My grandson brings joy to my life. Jesus brings life to my joy, eternal life.
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Our family Christmas celebration and progressive dinner is tomorrow through the weekend, so I might not be writing for a few days.

Have a very Merry, Blessed Christmas, Jan