21 Gifts of AdventSample

The Gift of New

We all know that a baby changes everything. They definitely turn your schedule upside down. Coffee dates become few and far between. You never get your Saturday morning sleep back. Dads swallow their “dream car” pride to own a minivan. Your insurance policy expands. Your priorities shift as you have another mouth to feed. Your entire perspective changes as you see everything again through the eyes of your child.

The pain of motherhood is quickly erased when we see the baby for the first time. Soon forgotten are the hours of labor, the intense pain experienced, and the exhaustion felt. Parents gaze into infant faces, gently rubbing their soft new skin. We lay them close on our chest and let them breathe, rest, sleep, and eat. 

From start to finish, new life is something to cherish. There’s something sacred in holding a newborn. You beg time to stand still because you know you’re holding a miracle.

Jesus was born in a crude, damp stable in Bethlehem. Although the Christ child wasn’t conceived in a normal way, He was delivered in the manner that was common to all flesh. But God Himself wanted to welcome His own Son with the warmth of His Presence. And Mary’s gentle attitude also brought the goodness of God to a hard and stressful human birth. 

Jesus’ birth was a gift given by the Father to give us new life.

Advent reflection: The gift of “new” rejuvenates your heart and spirit. As you make more room for Jesus during the Advent season, you can find a gift in the new thing God is doing in your life. God’s holy process adds renewal to our busy lives. Something wonderful from Heaven is bringing life back into your days.