Tuesday, December 9, 2008

What Child is This?

"What Child is this, who laid to rest, on Mary's lap is sleeping?
(William C. Dix)

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace"... Isaiah 9: 6

What a joyous thing is the birth of a little baby! There's nothing any sweeter than to hold a newborn child and smell the fragrance of new life on that little head! I’ve been reminded of that through a very personal event this month—the birth of our first grandson!

Sometimes it's hard for me to remember that my Savior, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, was once a little baby Himself. Such a responsibility Mary and Joseph faced as they were chosen to raise Jesus in their home; yet such an honor. The Bible tells us clearly that they were obedient to God in all things.
"And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth." Luke 2:39

Because of this, Jesus had a strong foundation for his life. "And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him." Luke 3: 40 By the time Jesus was twelve, he had begun to publicly display his desire of doing the work God had sent him to do here on earth.
"And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. Luke 2: 46-47

Wouldn't it be wonderful if all children could have the home life that Jesus had? Especially during this time of the year it is sad to think that there are little innocent children who never hear the name of Jesus spoken except when used as a curse word. Just now on the news they showed the picture of a mother who has been arrested because they found her five-week-old baby living in a "meth" lab she was running! Such a shame! Children who are unwanted, unloved and abused are evidence of a society that has turned its back on God.

May God give you who read this a special opportunity this Christmas season, to be a blessing to some child. It might be your own son or daughter that you have been ignoring because of your busy lifestyle. Or maybe you could be a real blessing to some hurting child somewhere that you don't even know by giving through your church to missions, etc.

I pray that the Lord will give me the opportunity to help a child this year to see the love of Christ and the real meaning of Christmas.
"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. " 1 Corinthians 13: 11-13

Never forget...."Jesus loves the little children"!

Marilyn

6 comments:

Joyful said...

God's Word tells us that we are all to come to Him as little children. Children are so precious to Jesus. Thank you for encouraging me to be watchful for a little one who needs the touch of the gift of His love this Christmas.

Blessings,
Joy

Leah Adams said...

What a wonderful reminder to bless the little children this Christmas! Thanks for your tender heart and sweet spirit.

Leah

Yolanda said...

ABSOLUTELY! My last three posts have been through my own experiences with my Grandson.

Lovingly,
Yolanda

Kay Martin said...

Marilyn, like you, I work in hands on ministry and I have never seen so many with so many needs: especially the children.

Great post.

Deborah said...

Thanks for another wonderful post, Marilyn!
I'm so glad that this past year the Lord has shown me that we are truly doing what he would have us to do,...and that is ministering to children, both in our home and in our church. He reopened a door that we had thought was supposed to close,(fostering and perhaps adoption) and he has opened two new doors of ministry in church...all in this past year. God is so good!

Cindy said...

There are so many children with so many needs. Thank you for reminding us about the true Christmas spirit. That we are to be a blessing to others.