I’m really bummed I’m not having a baby in time for Christmas.
Well, knock on wood. I’ll be 35 weeks at Christmas. Which is a feasible time to have a baby, I think. The better part of me, the part that is maternal and protective, wants the baby to make it to her due date of 27 Jan, so she can have as much time as possible growing strong.
The little kid part of me, the part of me that wanted a pony for Christmas when I was 8, would love to have a baby in time for Christmas.
I’d settle for the Christmas season, even. So, just make it here by 6 Jan, kiddo.
Just think about it. What could be better than the reflection of Christmas lights in your baby’s eyes? Or all of those incredibly cute outfits on Amazon right now. The red, green, and white plaid dresses with a gold bow around her head? Priceless.
But all in God’s timing. All in Gods timing. And in the timing that keeps my little baby girl healthy.
What an incredible reflection of Advent. Pregnancy during Advent… especially third trimester pregnancy, when the baby is coming, so close. There’s a breathlessness, an eager expectation, a hope.
There’s a waiting. An anticipation.
And something I didn’t expect. A nervousness. For the pain of labor, sure. I’m pretty darn scared about that.
Nervousness for the baby, too. This bundle of joy. This little girl with the joy of Christmas in her eyes (definitely next year at least!). She’s going to change…everything. Everything.
I think that’s why there are so many references to women in labor when it comes to the spiritual life. The pain is there, but the joy, the incredible joy, waits at the end. But the joy…The Messiah…he’s going to change everything. Literally everything.
Every consideration of my little baby girl is a wonder. Sometimes all my husband and I can do is smile when she kicks. Everything is magical. The stars shine a little brighter.
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
But the pain I will go through will be long, arduous. Until she appears, and it will all be worth it.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth
This nine months of weariness, of waiting, of that weird pain in that one spot on my back, carpal tunnel, and, well, what happens to me when I eat spicy food…I can’t even comprehend how much it will be worth it.
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
And Israel, which waited for so long for its Savior. Which suffered for so long. My nine months is nothing in comparison to those longing for the Messiah.
The incredible joy of meeting my girl…is nothing compared to God With Us.
Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine.
I’m overwhelmed with joy, like a little girl with the reflection of Christmas lights. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)
(O Holy Night Lyrics found here: https://www.41051.com/xmaslyrics/oholynite.html)