The Nativity Put in Perspective

Today (or, technically yesterday, since it's now after midnight and I guess it's Christmas Eve...say wha?!) at church there was a lot of singing and talking about the Christmas story, naturally. This happens ever year, but this year the story is more real to me than ever before.

You see, yesterday/today (December 23rd) my step-sister, Chelsie, had her baby, just before one in the morning. It turns out having a baby born into your family around Christmastime is a really special and sacred thing. It just really puts things into perspective. In church as we talked about Mary  and the newborn baby Jesus I couldn't help but think about little newborn Brynlee. For some reason I imagine that Mary's labor was similar to Chelsie's, in that she was in labor into the night and in the very early morning our Savior was born. I went to bed the night before and in the morning there were picture message on my phone and I knew my new little niece was here. I imagine that first and glorious Christmas morning was like that. One night the world went to bed and in the very early hours of the morning their Savior was here and there was relief and hope for all.

Isn't she lovely?

The proud Mama and baby

The proud Grandma. 

All of this made me realize that the story of Christ's birth is REAL. It's not just a story. It really happened. We  had a wonderful lesson in Young Women's today that also made the story very really for me.. The woman that was teaching brought in her nativity scene. On the table when we all came in was the stable and a lot of wrapped presents near it. Each present was given to a young women and opened in order, when the teacher asked for the number they had on their present. Each present was filled with a piece of the nativity scene and she talked about the importance of each one.

First, we talked about the Inn Keeper. I wonder what tremendous guild he had or will have when he finds that he turned away Mary, Joseph, and Jesus.

Then there was the manger, which may have been made of wood, but apparently it was more likely made of stone and had straw put into it for comfort for the baby. When she was talking about this I just kept thinking about Chelsie having to lay little Brynlee, a new and precious little baby, in a stone box.

Next were the animals. Besides Joseph and Mary no other mortal person is mentioned to have witnessed His birth. Only the parents and the animals, who could not utter of such a sacred experience. I imagine those animals understood more than one would think.

The shepherds were tending their flock and and angel appeared to them, bringing good news that I'm sure the angel was bursting with anticipation to give. The shepherds care and watch over their flock, just as Christ does for us. He is our Shepherd.

Although the three wise men did not actually come at Christ's birth they are very much a part of the story. It seems they used the star that appeared on His birth to guide them for nearly two years. They were all of very noble and high-esteemed professions and they brought him Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh, all very fine presents. Gold was, of course, of great value. Frankincense and Myrrh are actually often used in medicine because of their healing properties, which seems symbolic of the healing that Christ offers all of us.

And, of course we can't forget Joseph. Can you even imagine being Joseph? The lady who taught the lesson made a point I had never really thought of before. She asked the question, "What would you do if the woman you were in love with came and told you that she was pregnant with the Savior?" It would probably sound crazy. After his visitation with angel, however, he had tremendous faith and went forth with the plans for marriage. When I think of a new father I always think of a very nervous man. I can't even imagine what it would be like to be the new father of our Savior. Also, it is said that if they would have been under proper rule Joseph would have been royalty, and Jesus the rightful heir to the throne.

Mary is thought to have been about sixteen years old when she was visited by the angel and when she became pregnant with the Savior. I can't even fathom being a mother at sixteen years old. She must have truly been a remarkable woman. I'm sure it was more common then to get married at bear children at that age, but still. I can't find the quote, but one of the Apostles said something along the lines of this: The Savior was the chosen one. He was perfect and the only one that could perform the Atonement. If that is true we can only conclude that Mary was the most choice daughter, the one who could properly raise our Savior. I am sure Mary also knew, to some extent, what would eventually happen to her Son. Can you imagine carrying that burden of knowledge with you for so many years? This part of the lesson also made me think of Chelsie. I saw how uncomfortable she was near the end and I know that she hardly ever felt good at that point. I can't imagine her having to ride a donkey for days and days to get to Bethlehem, only to deliver in a stable.

And, our Savior; the whole reason that we know this story. He was born so that He could die for us. He suffered for us so that He could always know exactly what we need and how to help us. Because of Him we can return to Heaven one day to be with our Heavenly Father, Him, and our families. His birth gave the world the greatest of hope.

I will close by wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas.