For the first time in many years, my husband and I are greeting the coming of the Christ Child in the presence of a baby. Our sweet grandson is almost 10 months old, and we are oohing and aahing over every new task he masters.
Hand-clapping.
Feeding himself and making a mess.
Drinking from a sippy cup.
Creeping and crawling across the carpet for the first time.
The wonder of Christmas becomes reality as we watch and celebrate every accomplishment of this grandchild we love so much.
The wonder of Christmas also raises many questions in my mother’s heart.
Did Mary’s heart swell the first time Jesus clapped and crowed for joy?
Did the infant Prince of Peace smear food in his downy hair?
Did his father carve a wooden cup that fit inside his Son’s baby hands?
Did the dirt scrape Jesus’ chubby knees when he first crept across the floor?
I find the wonder of Christmas magnified by my special needs lens.
I see the omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient God willingly bound by human flesh.
Not the flesh of a mighty man in his prime, but the flesh of a baby.
Wholly human.
Wholly divine.
Wholly helpless.
Wholly dependent.
Wholly identifying with our children who have special needs.
Wholly experiencing life as the parent of a child with special needs.
Wholly revealed to us as Father, Son, and Spirit.
The wonder of Christmas stirs within as I recall Isaiah’s prophecy.
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
I ponder these words, watch my grandson coo and chuckle, and am moved to sing.
Not Silent Night.
Not Joy to the World.
Not Hark the Herald! Angels Sing.
But the words of a hymn that expresses the three-fold mystery revealed in a manger long ago.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
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