Savior of the World

It is now one week before we commemorate our Lord's birth. This Christmas, more than ever before, I have felt a certain closeness to those sacred events proceeding His entrance into this world, His world. I look upon this inspired artwork and I am overcome; the power of Joseph, the beauty of Mary, her tender glance towards the lone shepherd boy, the flock of sheep, the over hanging of the olive branches, the gentle light, the humble donkey. It is simply breathtaking. I cannot put into accurate words the love I feel when I am drawn into this scene, a scene that was indeed a reality 2000 years ago. The infant that lay in her womb, our Savior, the promised Messiah, the King of Kings, is saying His final goodbyes as He prepares to enter into this world of sin, for on the morrow, He comes into the world.

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7

We live in a time that allows us to prepare much for the arrival of our little ones. We purchase an infinite amount for the wee one: infant seats, decorated nurseries, pacifiers, mobiles, cribs, travel cribs, infant swings, diaper bags, maybe a new camera, the list is ongoing really.

I remember, as a child, when I read of Mary wrapping her son in swaddling clothes, I thought, "Poor Jesus, was wrapped in a mere sheet." I worried He was cold. I was so sad for Him and His mother. Oh, how poor they were! It wasn't until I was older I learned the significance of the swaddling bands or clothes. I now think of sweet, sweet Mary and her humble preparation for infant King, her first born son. I imagine her long slender fingers wrapping Him tight, to keep Him from startling, to keep Him safe. His mother wrapped Him in swaddling clothes. A simple gesture recorded by Luke, that offers so much insight into the heart of our Heavenly Father's most valiant and choicest daughter.

I find it difficult to view these two paintings so close together. However, it is necessary to REMEMBER what He came to do. This sweet, little, innocent, meek, lowly, pure, perfect and Holy Infant would enter this world to rescue us. He would take upon Him our heartache, our loneliness, our pain, our sins, our meager sufferings, and allow His tiny infant hands to one day be pierced through with rusty, dirty nails. His sweet feet would one day bear scars as well, as His wrists and side. It is for this purpose I lay these pictures side by side. It is done so in a selfish effort to demand my heart to remove Him from the manger, and REMEMBER Him as my Messiah, my deliverer from death and sin, MY ALL.

He is our Redeemer. He did come and fulfill all the Father asked of Him. He was born of Mary. He is God's Son. He did come. And, He will come again, in power and GREAT glory. I long for that day. As Mary weaved the threads of the swaddling clothes in preparation for the coming of our Lord, I hope I too can weave the threads of His life and light through my heart; deep within, in preparation for that day when I shall fall to my knees, and bathe His feet with my endless gratitude for His Atonement. It is my hope I will one day commune with Him forever.