Advent Reflection – Day 20

An Advent Reflection by Anne Woodward, Beaminster Team Administrator.

Read

Luke 2:6-7 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Reflect

Like any mum to be, I’m sure Mary dreamt of how she would welcome her first child into the world, and I doubt very much if those dreams included giving birth amongst livestock far from home, wrapping him in rags and laying him in an animal trough. Although unable to secure a suitable room for the birth, what Mary did have to give the newborn Jesus was infinitely more than material comfort. She had a mother’s love – a love that was strong enough to nurture a son who was ‘different’; that was strong enough to release him to fulfil his ministry; that was strong enough to stand at the foot of the cross as he suffered and died.

Today, children are still born into difficult circumstances, and whilst acknowledging that a child’s physical needs must be met, we must never underestimate the power of the greatest gift of all – love.

Pray

Lord, we pray for all children born in difficult circumstances. For those who are unwanted, who are born into poverty, in war zones, or who are sick. We give you thanks for the blessings we have received in our lives and we ask that you help us to remember that the most important gifts we have received and can give others are not material ones. We ask this in the Christ child’s name. Amen.

Act

If you are tempted to buy ‘just one more’ Christmas present for a loved one, perhaps instead give them the most special gift you can – the gift of your time, your attention, your love. 

-Anne Woodward, Beaminster Team Administrator.

You can read all of the Advent Reflections via the following link – Advent Reflections 2019.