Sunday, December 16, 2012

Anticipation...

Carl Larsson (Swedish Realist Painter, 1853-1919) 
Lisbeth with Yellow Tulip
(doesn't she look like she's waiting for a baby to come soon?)

This particular Advent Season, my family and I are waiting for a baby.  To me, it is a prayerful, hopeful anticipation of the day we know is coming soon.  In these last days of our daughter's  pregnancy, I awake each morning and think, "This could be the day.  Perhaps we will get a phone call."  Every week I see my daughter as she goes to another doctor's appointment, heavy with child, and the realization becomes more and more clear and evident --she is one day closer to her delivery.  The waiting and wondering and concern for health and well-being will be over, and we will be glad that the child is born.  We will touch and smell, we will cuddle and coo, we will smile and bless, and praise God that the child is with us.

Until that day, we pray and watch, anticipate and prepare.  As we wait for a new life to be delivered to us, it reminds me that this should always be my mindset and my hope in Jesus.  I remember well one Christmas Eve long ago when we were singing Oh Little Town of Bethlehem in church.  When we came to the verse that says, "Be born in us today," my heart melted.  As a mother, I knew the oneness I had with a child living and growing inside me, and I knew the exhausting work of labor and then the joy of delivering a child.  In that Christmas hymn, God showed me how very near He is and how near He will always stay.  

How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given
So God imparts to human hearts, the blessings of His heaven
No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!


18 comments:

  1. Oh what a wonderful event to be waiting for. Praying all goes well with the delivery and that baby will be healthy and strong. Blessings...

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  2. Watching and waiting is so hard, but knowing that there will be a sweet baby to hold is a wonderful thing to remind us of Jesus and Mary.

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  3. I have tears in my eyes. Praying for a safe birth, healthy babe, and joyful partying all around the ranch!

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  4. What a beautiful way with words you have Jody. Praying for baby's safe arrival, and all the joy a new little one brings. xxx

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  5. Oh this is so heartfelt. God bless that mother and baby. I love O Little Town- we MUST sing it at school next year! I look forward to it in the myriad other carol services I attend this week!x

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  6. May your blessed even be a wonderful time, you have all the love to give.

    Very special post.

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  7. We look forward to hearing the news of Baby M's arrival! What a joyful time!

    Joyce

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  8. I'm so looking forward to your good news!

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  9. We love the anticipation of Christmas day. I'm so excited for you Jody at this special time as you await your new baba

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  10. How wonderful Jody! I'll eagerly await the announcement of another grandchild for you -- so exciting!

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  11. How very lovely! Blessings on you and your daughter and the child to be born to her in this holy season. it's particularly special to be expecting a baby alongside Mary expecting the baby Jesus. E x

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  12. How exciting! My youngest daughter was born on Christmas day! Praying all goes well and for a speedy delivery.
    ~M~

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  13. I wonder as I write this if the baby has arrived--can't wait to meet him/her! How lovely to have a Christmas baby and to be reminded of what Advent is all about.

    xofrances

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  14. Wishing all the best with your new arrival...maybe it will be a Christmas blessing.....

    Merry Christmas!!

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  15. What a sweet post and how exciting to await the advent of a grandchild at the same time we all await the celebration remembering His advent. Blessings to all, and a safe delivery for the baby.

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  16. I keep thinking about your daughter and check your blog often hoping for news. What a special time of year to have a baby! (But then there's never a bad time of year to have a sweet new little one.) Indeed the anticipation of the season must be increased by 100 fold for you this year!
    My very best to you and yours this season-

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  17. What a lovely reflection. Every blessing to you all x

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  18. Just a little note to wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas - wondering if that little one has arrived yet? He or she will make an extra special Christmas for you all!! xo

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