Welcome to my musings on this fourth Sunday of Advent.
Today we're discussing ...

Love.

I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.
Psalm 18:1, KJV

One night, centuries ago, daylight faded, welcoming the quiet that only evening can bring. Shepherds soothed their sheep outside of Bethlehem while the town burst with all those who had arrived for the census. But in a one particular corner, all was not silent. A woman was in labor.

The animals moved restlessly. Their home had been invaded by a traveling couple. What would come of this disturbance? And then ... into the night, a baby was born.

It's healthy cry sent a relieved breath through his mother and father. They believed, of course, that this child was to save their people, but the birth of a baby was no guarantee of life. And to do so in a stable? After days of wearisome travel?

What gratefulness Mary and Joseph must have felt. Their faith ... that substance of things hoped for ... had not been ill-placed. God had seen them through. He had protected His Son, and the Child's mother. Hope, peace, joy mingled with love as the Baby quieted in His mother's arms.

Before the night was over, visitors arrived. Not wealthy, titled visitors, but shepherds, outcasts. They came with news of angels and tidings of worship. Glory to God, the angelic host had proclaimed. Their enthusiasm and wonder filled the rustic space.

Mary quietly stored all these happenings in her heart, her mother's heart. Love for her Baby, knowledge of what her Son would mean to her people, wonder at the angelic announcement. Against the smooth skin of her baby, she whispered words she said in the presence of her cousin, For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His name.

That night, Love Himself was born. That we might have everlasting life. What great Love is this!

Merry Christmas.

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