The Miraculous Birth of Jesus Christ
Photo Credit: Dan Kiefer
“And the angel said unto them, fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” ~ Linus in A Charlie Brown Christmas
I’m not a religious person, but I believe in God. The messages from my Christian upbringing in the United Church that took hold and have remained are those about Jesus Christ. I have no idea how accurate the biblical stories of his birth might be. What matters to me is the wisdom and love the scriptures teach us—to fear not and to behold good tidings of great joy.
When I was young, I thought the idea of an immaculate conception was ludicrous. It defied what science had taught me. Now that I’m older and wiser, I’ve witnessed firsthand the ability of the supernatural to defy what scientists claim to be impossible. I don’t want my lack of understanding to keep me from receiving the birth of Jesus Christ. A miracle of great joy.
The first miracle listed in the New American Bible is when Jesus turned water into wine and began his ministry. I believe the list should begin with his conception. When Mary found out she was pregnant “without knowing a man,” I’m sure she felt overwhelmed by her circumstances. I know I did as a single teenage mother. It was hurtful when women on the bus I rode to school for “girls like me” stared with judging eyes. It was painful to feel I couldn’t celebrate the blessing. I’m sure Mary suffered similarly. A miracle of courage and strength.
When I was seven and a half months pregnant with my first child, I rode the Greyhound bus from Calgary to Penticton to visit my aunt’s family. The trip took over twelve hours. It was uncomfortable, hot, and crowded. When I arrived I was beyond exhausted. I can only imagine what it was like for Mary to ride a donkey from Nazareth to Jerusalem, a grueling journey of four days in the desert, with her baby due any day. A miracle of perseverance.
Mary and Joseph arrived in the town of Bethlehem tired and weary, only to discover there was no room in the Inn. They were given shelter in a manger. I can only envision how terrified Mary must have felt when she went into labour without a doctor or a midwife, medical equipment, or pain medications. I birthed all three of my babies in a hospital with the support of a full medical team and it was still the hardest thing I’ve ever done. A miracle of endurance.
After Jesus was born and Mary wrapped him in swaddling clothes, her only comfort was from Joseph. She was many miles from home and the safety and security of her family. Yet God shone a star so full of radiance above the manger that people from far and wide were in awe. The shepherds guarding their flocks were afraid until an angel of the Lord appeared. The three wise men followed the star to pay homage to the newborn king. A miracle of community.
I have birthed three children into the world and adopted one too. Each experience was as unique and special as the child’s fingerprint. Each time I felt gifted with a miracle, and I thanked God for the blessing. I’m sure it was the same for Mary, and that it is for most mothers across the world, no matter their religion or beliefs. Birthing a child into the world shows you what words can never convey; that there is an eternal and limitless power. A miracle of creation.
On December 25, I join all Christians and believers in celebrating the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ. “Raise, oh raise, the song on high, His mother sings her lullaby, Joy, oh joy, for Christ is born, The Babe, the Son of Mary.” Thanks be to God for the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ.
COMING UP…
Books & Projects:
· All four of my books are available online at Amazon, Chapters-Indigo, and Barnes & Noble. You can also find them at select Chapters-Indigo and El Hombre de la Mancha bookstores.
· I am pursuing representation from a traditional publisher for my fifth literary fiction, a psychological drama that explores the complexities of mental illness and trauma. Stay in touch by signing up for my blog or following me on social media to find out when it will be published.
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YouTube Channel:
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Watch The Healing trailer.