By:  Betty Predmore

I had the most incredible experience recently! I was able to be in the delivery room as my niece gave birth to her precious baby girl. This was my first time to be present at the actual delivery of a baby, other than my own. It is an entirely different experience as a spectator. My niece was so incredibly strong throughout the process, and seeing that sweet baby come into this world was a wondrous experience that I will never forget.
It made me think back to what that night in Bethlehem must have been like. What a glorious night that must have been! How strong was Mary as she brought our Lord and Savior into the world? Did Joseph hold her hand and comfort her? Did he whisper reassuringly into her ear as she fought through the pain? Did that sweet baby Jesus enter this world with a loud cry or a soft whimper? This baby did not have the creature comforts of a hospital, for he was born in a stable. “And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7) Though this baby was born without the comfort and security of a hospital, He had something far greater. He had the Father in Heaven orchestrating his birth, and nothing could have been safer or more secure than that.
Just like my new little niece was a special gift to her family, baby Jesus was also a gift. He was a gift to this world! He was a promise of hope and salvation to all who accepted Him. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13) He is the gift that continues to give throughout the ages…the incredible gift of eternity!
As I watched my niece snuggle with her newborn baby, I saw the love and the bond that had already formed. What a great love a parent has for a child. As mothers, we feel that there can be nothing quite like that love we feel for our children. It is such a special bond. This is a point that reminds me how great the love must be that our Father in Heaven has for us. That He would sacrifice his own child for us, for our sins. “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) That is the definition of sacrifice. Why did He do this? His love for us is so great, his compassion so marvelous. He wished that all of us would have the opportunity for an eternal life in glory with Him through Christ Jesus. “ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:17)
What a gift our salvation is! What an honor to be loved so much by the King of Kings! As we celebrate gift-giving during this Christmas season, let us not forget to give the greatest gift of all by sharing the love of Jesus with those who are lost. This can be done in so many ways…feeding the hungry, providing warm clothes and shelter, or buying gifts for the less fortunate. It can also be done by a smile, a kind word, a hug, and sharing the gospel. It doesn’t matter how you chose to do it, just do it. Share the love of Jesus….He is the perfect gift!