A new life emerges. Air fills His little lungs. He lets out a big scream. His mother swaddles Him in strips of cloth already prepared for this journey. She snuggles Him tightly and kisses his curly head. This child entered the world just like we did. He pushed His way through His mother’s birth canal, took His first human breath and longed to be held close. Birth is a traumatic experience in a way. It creates excruciating pain for both mother and child, yet the result almost instantly brings joy.

Jesus was a helpless little baby in the manger intended as a feeding trough for the animals surrounding Him. His tiny body rested on a mound of hay as His mother and stepfather looked on in wonder. All the events leading up to this particular one, were finally completed. The birth off the Messiah had come. The sky filled with angelic choirs, singing praises to this humble, newborn King.

He appeared to be like any other child.  He went through childhood, working hard to stay alive in a town that seemed quite insignificant. He learned to be an artisan, using His hands to create useful items for the everyday people in His community.  As a man, He associated with the scum of the earth – tax collectors, prostitutes, soldiers, murderers and thieves. He walked with a group of farmers, fishermen and others who listened intently to His every word. He was tempted in every way but never gave way to sin. When the time was right, His mission on earth ended He died a pitiful, excruciating death as a common criminal on a cross.  What could a man like that do for humanity?

Jesus came as a servant, not a king, to give us an example of how we can serve Him.  He came in deep humility to be the perfect sacrifice.  He lived in poverty to remind us that His kingdom was not of this world.  He suffered and died to take our place – so we could have eternal life. Then something amazing happened. He rose from death and came alive again. Through that miracle He gives us a glimpse of what’s waiting for us after we die.

So, what do we do with this little one?  Let’s hold Him tightly in our hearts – for He is our only salvation, our only hope and He fills us with a peace that defies all human understanding.   He is our Savior – our God!