No baby,
no infant in cloths
wrapped tight against the chill
waiting for shepherds to come and see.
No baby,
no 12-year-old getting lost
in discussing God’s Word
waiting for parents to come and find.
No baby,
no baptism of water mixed in with Spirit
setting the man apart as plain but holy.
A one-of-a-kind.
No baby,
no water becoming wine
at mom’s request
making a party grander.
No baby,
no feeding of thousands gone hungry,
no calming of weather gone stormy,
no brightening of eyes gone dark,
no healing of legs not working from birth.
No baby,
no restoring of life to children
dying before parents
and a brother
dying before sisters.
No baby,
no betrayal by close friends
afraid of the crowd,
unwilling to be called a disciple.
No baby,
no crying out on the cross
wondering where Dad had gone,
longing for Dad’s acceptance.
No baby,
no dead body in a tomb
that rose Sunday morn
surprising all.
Especially Satan.
No baby,
no fish-frying by the seashore
forgiving past denials,
restoring friendships for eternity.
No baby,
no any of the above
for you and me.
Thankfully Christmas is yes, baby.
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2.11
Merry Christmas, from our family to yours!