“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11 NIV)

Picture courtesy of Pixabay

She gazed into the face of her sleeping child and her heart plummeted. She was responsible for this tiny human. His life was quite literally in her hands. It was up to her to meet his needs. All of them. To the best of her ability. She sat down heavily in the rocking chair beside his crib and continued to regard the child who was now her whole world. She began to pray.

“Father, what am I to do with this little thing? I don’t know if I’m up to this. I guess it’s a little late now to think such thoughts. I’m going to need Your help Lord. How will I know what to do and when to do it? How do I teach him? He is so beautiful, Lord. I thank You for this blessing. And I will need You to help me bring him up to know You. Please give me guidance and show me what to do. Help me to make wise decisions and choices for him. Direct me, Lord, so that I do for this child what You would have me do. Thank You, Lord, for the honor of being his mom.”

I wonder if Mary felt the same as she gazed into the infant face of Jesus, God’s Son. She was responsible for His very life. He had been entrusted to her. It was up to her and Joseph to meet His needs, teach Him and guide Him. How overwhelming was that? The Creator of all things placed this most precious gift in her arms.

And Mary and Joseph did a fine job. Jesus, the Son of God grew into an amazing man. He spread the love of His Father everywhere He went. He made lowly fishermen into “Fishers of Men” and showed and taught them things that they would never have believed possible.

And He gave Himself up as a living sacrifice so that each and every one could choose to believe or not. He died. A slow horrible death on a cross. And then He rose again on the third day, victorious over death. And all we must do is believe and obey His word.

So, when you look into the face of that beautiful child, know that there is a place for him or her in heaven. And do everything you can to teach them about the wonders of the Creator of the Universe.

And now we pray…

Lord, what a blessing and honor it is to be a parent and grandparent. It’s not always easy, and we all make many mistakes because we are all human. With Your guidance, and through prayer, we do the best we can. Lord I ask that You touch the heart of each parent today. Give them wisdom and insight into raising their children to love and honor You. Touch each of their children and grandchildren and open their eyes and hearts to the teaching of Your will.

In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN!

A New Baby in the House (© Barb Witt 11/13/2019)

About the Author:

Barb Witt is a Christian wife, mother and grandmother who loves gardening, quilting, crafting, writing poetry and devotions, and is working on a children’s book. She has created an email devotional and prayer warrior ministry that she sends out daily. If you’re interested in being added to her email list let us know.