Well, we just found out recently that we will be grandparents! That’s a new chapter in life for the whole family. Now I have to adjust to a little one running to me calling out Papa! Wow!
I have to admit, oh what a feeling! Everyone tells me how great it is to be a grandparent. I know it will be a great adventure to be grandparents. Why do I say this?
I think of Mary who was approached by the Angel Gabriel who told her that she would be with child and he would be the Son of God. Hello! Put yourself in Mary’s shoes and just think of all the thoughts that suddenly would be running through her mind.
She reasons with the Angel Gabriel saying, “How can that be, seeing that I am a virgin.” He explains how she would be supernaturally impregnated and she accepts his word.
Then Mary goes to see Elizabeth and returns home some six months later and hello, baby bump. She explains to her parents what took place and that they are going to be grandparents.
The feeling in my stomach at the news I would be a grandparent was excitement but in the case of Mary’s parents it is shock, mixed with disbelief, hurt, sorrow, even shame. Mary wasn’t yet married. Now she has to tell her beau, a man named Joseph, what has happened.
A long story short is that Joseph thought to break off their relationship but again the Angel Gabriel came to him and confirmed everything. He marries her and the baby is born in the city of David, Bethlehem.
This child that God made flesh was born to all of us. God encased himself into the womb of Mary. He was in the very essence God, the Promised One, the Messiah. Jesus fulfilled all prophecies concerning Himself. Who would celebrate this child?
The meek and lowly shepherds came as unexpected worshipers. Perhaps as long as two years later three kings from the east came and bowed to worship, bringing gifts of gold symbolizing He is the King of kings, frankincense symbolizing deity and Priest of all priests, and myrrh symbolizing the death he would die for all of us.
I ask you this Christmas as you open your gifts and enjoy your Christmas festivities to remember the real meaning of this season: the gift in the child, the Christ child given to you.
From all of us at CenterPoint Church we wish you a very merry Christmas, and a safe and joyous new year.
Gerald Bradbury is the pastor at Innisfail's CenterPoint Church.
