The Realness of Christmas

Luke 2:6-7 When they arrived in Bethlehem, Mary went into labor, and there she gave birth to her firstborn son. After wrapping the newborn baby in strips of cloth, they laid him in a feeding trough since there was no available space in any upper room in the village.

Early in December, I came across this photo and absolutely fell in love with it. I love how realistic this illustration is. Most photos that depict the birth of Christ make it seem as though the journey to Bethlehem, the unsuccessful search for a room, and the natural childbirth had no effect on Mary and Joseph. In most cases, they both look fresh and rested and unscathed by the exhausting experience. This picture, however, captures the ordeal in a way that most mothers can truly relate to. Giving birth to a baby is one of the most amazing events of a woman's life but it is also entirely draining, emotionally and physically. Although Mary was probably filled with joy and awe as she looked at her precious baby boy, this picture gives a more accurate impression than most. Mary would have been weak and weary. She would have been so grateful for rest as the newborn slept most of his first few days.

I also came across this illustration of a newborn baby Jesus being held by his mother. He's probably supposed to be a week or two old in this drawing. I don't know that I've ever seen a picture of Jesus so alert. Most pictures show Jesus sleeping. There's something about this photo. It also seems much more genuine than other depictions of the birth of our Savior.

 Jesus was a real baby. He really made those sweet baby noises and wiggled his tiny little toes. He really loved being held upright, close to his Mommy, listening to her familiar heartbeat. He would have been comforted by her voice and her touch. He would have felt safe snuggled up in Joseph's arms. He probably fell asleep as he nursed, had tummy aches because of little gas bubbles,  and loved being swaddled. He was a real baby, which blesses my heart so much. 

He could have saved us easily and quickly with power and grandeur. But He didn't. He chose to come in such a humble way. The King of all Kings entered the world in a cold, smelly, dirty place. Born in a stable full of farm animals to a very young mother and then placed in a feeding trough. 

He deserved so much more.

Today, on Christmas Eve, I am grateful that Jesus was a real baby. The true meaning of Christmas sometimes gets lost in all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. These pictures do a wonderful job refocusing me on what Christmas is really about. Don't get me wrong, I love parties, decorations, presents, and cookies as much as anyone but, the baby in those photos is what its really all about! 

Jesus was real. His birth in a stable was real. Mary's struggle as a new mom would have been very similar to what all new moms encounter. He really was a toddler who got into everything and a big brother to the siblings born in the years after him. He really was an excited young boy who chased after his dad and loved playing outside with his friends. He really was a growing boy who went through puberty and changed drastically right in front of his parent's eyes. He really was a teenager who had to figure things out for himself. He really was a young man, baptized in the Holy Spirit, and a blessing to all who knew Him. He really was and is the Savior of the World.

The realness of Christmas has been on my heart this season and I pray it will be on yours as well. 

He was a real baby. He is a real Savior.

Merry Christmas!