When Christ says to Mary and Joseph–
I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me
–they will not ask him “when?”.
Have you welcomed babies to your home? Would you if you could?
Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me.
This Christmas, you are not a spectator at the stable. You are mother or father there. Your voice is Mary’s.
My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
Since my devotion has taken a Marian turn this Christmas, I appreciated this post:
http://abev.wordpress.com/2007/12/18/behold-the-condescension-of-god/#more-323
My hope is restored. Thanks, Adam.
Now that’s a profound twist I’ve never considered. Thanks, Adam. (and I LOVE the post you linked. I am having it printed for all the members of the branch I attend to accompany my talk on Sunday.)
I too have always been so deeply touched by the infant Jesus, his condescension, and the mantle his earthly parents bore. Your words are especially beautiful to me tonight as I make preparations for our traditional family reenactment of the nativity. This year is remarkable because we will include for the first time my Brother-in-law’s 6 new foster children ranging from 1 year to 7 years in age, all brothers and sisters with the same birth parents. It has been humbling and insprational to watch these past several months the growth in these children as they have been nurtured in a loving home with the gospel. Thank you.
Lovely Adam. Thank you for taking the time during this busy season to post it. Christmas is a wonderful time. On this Christmas Eve we talked with son Elder Benson on his mission in Houston. We also took the opportunity to look at tape of our Gotcha Day last Mother’s Day when we first saw our daughter Hong Mei for the first time. Like Jill said about her foster nieces and nephews, Hong Mei’s growth the last seven months with her forever family is marvelous to behold. Merry Christmas to you and your family.