Jesus was a Baby

I've been teaching the toddlers at church for a while now... multiple years actually... and suddenly the little story we teach each week of December finally sank in with me! Our theme for Decemeber is always "Jesus was a baby," but not til recently have I ever fully understood what that means and why it is significant.

Of course, to you scholars - its obvious. For little children, it's important for them to know that Jesus was right where they are now. He was a baby, just like they are. He was learning how to walk and talk, and eat "grown up" food and count to 10 ... all of that! But for me, its something different completely.

I think my new realization occurred slowly over the past few weeks. It started as a brand new appreciation for the Christmas season. I dont recall ever truly enjoying the Christmas season. Yes, as a kid, I remember being excited about Christmas as it got closer and closer each year, but that was driven by selfish ambition, not a love for this time of year. As I slowly started enjoying the smell of Christmas trees, lights on houses, Christmas decorations, baking cookies, I finally started to enjoy Christmas songs (which I have always deeply despised for some unknown reason).

As my affection for Christmas songs grew, I started listening to Christmas stations in the car and created Christmas playlists while at work to enjoy! With my increasing exposure and enjoyment of Christmas songs, I slowly began to actually listen to the words I've had memorized for decades. To my amazement, there are so many awesome lyrics! Songs that praise God and songs that describe the wonder of Christ's birth.

Of all the songs that have suddenly meant so much to me, two have really touched my heart this year. The first of these being "Away in a Manger." I always thought this was a "kiddy" song, like the A,B,C's or something, but after hearing a beautiful redition on 88.1, I carefully listened to each word and was touched by the simplicity of love portrayed in this song. Although this song is easy enough for a child to learn, its meaning is far more complex. In my mind, it has become a song a mother sings over her child. A song a little child sings to the Lord with the utmost love and innocence. A song I can sing to regain the faith like a child and as a prayer for my un-born babies as well as the children around the world in need.

The second being "Mary, Did You Know." I've always liked this song, mostly because it comes from such a different perspective than the majority of Christmas songs. These lines in particular have really touched my heart as I am thinking of the day I will have my own baby in my arms.

When you kiss your little baby, You've kissed the face of God.

and...

Did you know, That your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?

This sleeping child you're holding, Is the Great I Am

Seems like this song could really be sung for any precious little baby. All are such a gift from God and when they're so little and new, it's almost as though they've come straight from God's arms in Heaven to yours. I can imagine being a mother, looking down at my new baby, praying that this child becomes a servant and lover of God. In Mary's case, she knew he would be. It must have been so overwhelming to sit holding Jesus, knowing he will be the Great I Am. Talk about pride! Mary must have been bursting with pride and honor and respect at this little tiny baby - knowing all He'd become!

My challenge to you is take time to listen and enjoy this holiday season, outside of the hustle-and-bustle and all the shopping and wrapping. Don't let familiarity become a mental stumbling block, as it was for me. Listen with new ears to all the songs of the season. Sing along, not in blind recitation, but rather heartfelt praise to the Lord!

Jesus was a baby! He was Mary's little baby... And he's saved us all!