Having a baby is such an amazing time in a couple’s life. The idea that something was created by two people and will form another is a miracle. All of the work that goes into preparing for this new life is done with pleasure. The pain that a woman goes through is surpassed by the joy that comes with a new little one. Of course, who can forget fleeing from the hospital to another country so the king wouldn’t kill your baby?
You didn’t experience that last part, did you? Neither did I. But Joseph and Mary did with the birth of Jesus. You can read about that in Matthew 2:13-18. Of course, we who have heard the life story of Jesus know that Herod was only the first in a long line of those who tried to kill Jesus. Religious teachers had schemed during Jesus’ ministry, even taking matters into their own hands a time or two (see John 8:59). Add Judas, Pilate, and Roman soldiers and you start to compile a list of people, all looking for a scapegoat.
Sadly, the appropriate response is far less common. In Luke 1, we find Zechariah forced into silence due to his shock at the birth announcement of John the Baptist. Though Zechariah’s silence was involuntary, our choice should be to respond likewise when hearing about God’s incredible gift.
We often have too much to say about, well, about everything. We know there is no end to the making of books (Ecclesiastes 12:12). It seems we all have an opinion. But this gift is so amazing, so full of grace, so earth-shattering and history-defining, that we should push the pause button and become thoughtfully silent.
We are not the first to hear about God entering His creation. Hopefully, we will not be the last. There have been many saints who have taken pause and wondered over and over again at these marvelous events, pondering them in their hearts, and we should get in line.
You didn’t experience that last part, did you? Neither did I. But Joseph and Mary did with the birth of Jesus. You can read about that in Matthew 2:13-18. Of course, we who have heard the life story of Jesus know that Herod was only the first in a long line of those who tried to kill Jesus. Religious teachers had schemed during Jesus’ ministry, even taking matters into their own hands a time or two (see John 8:59). Add Judas, Pilate, and Roman soldiers and you start to compile a list of people, all looking for a scapegoat.
Sadly, the appropriate response is far less common. In Luke 1, we find Zechariah forced into silence due to his shock at the birth announcement of John the Baptist. Though Zechariah’s silence was involuntary, our choice should be to respond likewise when hearing about God’s incredible gift.
We often have too much to say about, well, about everything. We know there is no end to the making of books (Ecclesiastes 12:12). It seems we all have an opinion. But this gift is so amazing, so full of grace, so earth-shattering and history-defining, that we should push the pause button and become thoughtfully silent.
We are not the first to hear about God entering His creation. Hopefully, we will not be the last. There have been many saints who have taken pause and wondered over and over again at these marvelous events, pondering them in their hearts, and we should get in line.
Comments