Looking beyond the tattered couches, tables, chairs and many children was a cattle barn. The cleaning trough ran down the middle of the floor. Where cattle dung used to run, now the bath water of 55 children drained into the streets.
Through the slatted walls covered with plastic tarps could be seen the rays of sunshine. The smell of chorizo, scrambled eggs and fresh tortillas was mixed with the scent of soap as body after body were taken to the rain barrel of cold water to be bathed.
A little hand tugged at my side. She was so tiny and then she spoke, “poo poo.” It became apparent that it was now my turn to join others in trying out the bathing facility. After the task ended, I held Belin’s quivering body wrapped in a towel close to me, trying to warm her and calm her.
Do you suppose, Mary, mother of Jesus did the same when her son, our Savior was born in a cattle barn. After his birth did she wash his tiny body with cold water then hold him to her chest wrapped in swaddling clothes to warm him and calm him.
God’s Son became a real person like you and I or Belin. During his life He experienced happiness, sadness, tiredness, joy, disappointment. God knew when he sent his son to earth to live among us He would experience the same things we experience. His humble beginning in a manger was the beginning of a life time of sharing in our lives.
Today our Savior continues to take part in our greatest joys and our most painful hardships. What an incredible gift our Father gave us that night when the shepherds were watching the sheep and an angel appeared and said, “Do not be afraid, I am bringing you good news that will be a great joy to all people. Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ the Lord. This is how you will know him! You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a manger.”
As you celebrate the birth of our Savior this Christmas season, remember his birth into this world was for you. He is with us in the midst of our daily routines. He is the greatest gift ever given.
Rod, Rebekah and I are excited about being back in Canada to celebrate Christmas this year with family, friends and grand babies. Nothing could be better than watching our grandson Caleb open Christmas gifts while having our granddaughter Aly on one of our laps and the rest of the family nearby.
No comments:
Post a Comment