12/26/2024
It is the 26th of December... The day after Christmas. For those of us who are parents we know that the day following the birth of a baby is a day of rest and recovery for mother and child. Birth is a wonder, but it is also traumatic. During the time of Jesus when all women gave birth naturally (without pain killers) it would have undoubtedly been even more so. So it is that on this day we take a deep breath and relax with our loved ones. Some of us will be healing after being on our feet too long yesterday. And a few will be spending their day repairing damaged relationships from "honest?" words, or otherwise rejuvenating their tired selves. Much like the day following the birth of our own children, there will be a sense of peace and calm about this day.
On the actual day following the birth of Jesus, I envision Mary resting with the infant Christ Child at her breast and Joseph staying close by to provide whatever comfort she might need. This was the human family into which Jesus was born, and of which He would forever be a part. But, aside from his earthly family, He was also a member of a spiritual family, and we catch a glimpse of this spiritual family as the shepherds rush to visit this newborn king… while Mary listened, and rested.
“And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.”
Luke 2:16-19 ESV
I close my eyes and imagine Angels crowding around to glimpse this miracle, and a Heavenly Father who must have been even more pleased than He was when He had completed His worldly creation then said "It Is Very Good". Today there was a new day of rest for not only a biological family, but indeed for his spiritual family in heaven as they all waited the eight days for Jesus to be presented in the Temple where He would be named and circumcised.
“And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.”
Luke 2:21 ESV
So, as we take a deep breath, and pray today. On this day which follows the excitement of Christmas Day, let's remember that this isn't simply the end of a feast, or a holiday... It's the beginning of a man's life, of our Mesiah’s life, and of His trek through pain and suffering, a life that by His sacrifice will change us all forever. We celebrated the birth of a baby, but also the beginning of a new era of mercy and grace with God that cleanses all who come to Him seeking the redemption of their sin. Today and every day since He became the man of all sorrows… indeed, now, and forevermore, God is truly at peace with us in a most magnificent way!
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 ESV
Prayer:
Thank you, Father, for the suffering of Mary, a young mother who would bring your Son into the world, born like all men are born. A son who, after a time of rest, would begin His own life of suffering; a suffering like none had ever seen before, and will never see again. A suffering of body, mind, and soul. Father, I thank you for your Son Jesus Christ and the forgiveness He made possible. I thank you for the wonder that this new day brought, and the grace that you poured out over us. Abba, in the form of a tiny baby we received the immensity of You! In the life, suffering, death, and resurrection, of this child, your Son, you have made a sacrifice that would cleanse the world from sin. Now on this, the day following our celebration of His arrival, I pray that you will grant us peace, joy, and respite from our daily duties as we rest from our celebration and gaze upon your Son... our redeemer, and your unblemished lamb.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! And all of creation says… Amen!
“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”
Isaiah 53:4-5 ESV
Rich Forbes