Last night, our two little nieces and nephews came over to “play.”  Adding four kids three and under to an already active household certainly made for a lively evening.  Thankfully my husband was home as well as our kids.  All of us kept pretty busy with two toddlers, a brand new walker who is into everything and a four month old baby.

My husband teased me about taking charge of the easiest one.  Not sure either of us would have claimed the baby was the easiest when we were going through that state. While I did have to feed Eden her bottle,  I do confess that I happily held her a bit longer.  She is just a happy, smiley girl when she is around people.  Children are a gift.

Having a baby around at Christmas definitely reminds me of how overwhelmed Mary must have felt being in Bethlehem all by herself.  Without her family or especially her Mom.  The emotions attached with being a mom can overwhelm you with love, gratitude and a sense of intense responsibility.

Of course, I am not sure if Mary fully understood Jesus’ purpose at that time or what the fact that he was going to be the Savior meant.  Yet I have to wonder if a tiny part of her knew that His ultimate mission was initially going to break her heart.  This song “Child of Love” sung by Sara Groves expresses beautifully how Mary must have felt.

Child of wonder, close Your eyes
Rest here in my arms tonight
Someday You will save the world
But tonight I’ll hold You right here in my arms

Precious miracle of life, child of love
Gift of hope, the gift of light from the Father above
And You were made for all mankind
You will always be mine, child of love

Gabriel’s promise has come true
God has blessed this world with You
And as I humbly hold You now
In my heart I know I’m holding Heaven’s child

Precious miracle of life, child of love
Gift of hope, the gift of light from the Father above
And You were made for all mankind
But You will always be mine, child of love