The Joy a Baby Brings

The next few months will be filled with great anticipation and excitement as we prepare to welcome two more grandchildren into our family! Both of our daughters are expecting baby boys … just twelve weeks apart! There is no doubt, a new baby brings such joy. We are already checking out all the latest in baby gear, visiting the embroidery shop … probably too often … and looking for all things baby blue. There is a contagious excitement and joy in the air because the beginning of human life is such a beautiful miracle!

There certainly was great anticipation and excitement as Mary learned from the angel, Gabriel, that she had found favor with God and would soon bear a Son who would be named Jesus. And most importantly, a Son who would be the Savior of the world! Although she did not fully understand, Mary fully trusted in God’s promise. Unlike Sarah who laughed and Zacharias who doubted, Mary believed!

After hearing from the angel that Elizabeth was also expecting a baby, Mary hurried from Galilee to the hill country of Judea for a visit. Mary probably knew that not many could understand her experience with Gabriel and the miraculous conception, but if anyone could possibly relate, it would be Elizabeth. After all, Elizabeth was advanced in age and way too old to conceive a child naturally. Yet, she believed the word of the Lord given to her husband Zacharias. In the temple, Gabriel told him that their son would make ready a people prepared for the Lord. (Luke 1:17)

Mary arrived at the home of Zacharias and Elizabeth. When Elizabeth responded to Mary’s greeting, her words must have strengthened Mary’s faith as Elizabeth said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy.” (Luke 1:42–44)

Elizabeth knew already from the Holy Spirit that Mary was expecting Jesus. Elizabeth believed, too!

Think about the unspeakable joy a baby brings. This was the unborn John responding to the nearness of the unborn Jesus as he leaped for joy! This joy from recognizing the presence of Christ is literally God’s Christmas gift to us all! All we must do is believe. Only in Him will we find joy … only through Him will we be saved.

“Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord” (Luke 1:45). God’s greatest blessing is given to those who believe in Him.

Questions for Thought

1. Is there an area in your life where you need to fully trust God and believe His provisions … His mercy … and His grace will meet your specific need?
2. What are some specific blessings the Lord has given you as you have trusted and believed in Him?

Daily Challenge

The last two years have brought much heartache and loss in our world. Christmas is that time of year when we are reminded of the peace and joy only God can give! As we celebrate the birth of Jesus our Savior, may we focus on Him in all circumstances, even when we do not understand. He is our hope and stay!