It has been a tough year. The news rarely has anything good going on: fires, floods, and madmen. I know for some people this year has brought great sadness and challenge. One of many things for me was the passing of Grammom Rosie. I have felt her loss almost every day. On any given day, I would call her when I felt loneliness creep in or when I had a cooking question. She was always there.
As I lay pondering this season I have been in and wishing for something a little better… I thought of the baby Jesus and of the universal question when we come upon a newborn. "Can I hold him?"
Like any other new baby, whether it’s your own or someone else’s you know that when you are holding them – their sweet, dewy, peach fuzz faces. Their alert eyes looking up at you. You are holding someone’s precious and perfect baby. There is nothing sweeter.
I remember when Rose was tiny after she nursed and was sleeping on my shoulder I could smell her sweet breath. It was an intoxicating smell. A breath of heaven.
The thought occurred to me that this might be a way to start fresh. Focus on that sweet newborn baby Jesus. Imagine him in my own arms. Babies don’t know what wrong we have done or in what ways we have failed or what sadness we’re holding on to. That baby just knows he is safe in our arms. That you have his attention.
And so I ask, "Can I hold him?" Can I hold the newborn King? Can I hold my Savior and look into eyes? Can I get lost in the irony that though I hold Him. He is really holding me. He arrived to save me. His sweet breath of heaven will hold me together and make me holy. He is a helpless human yet saving humanity.
Sweet, precious peach fuzz baby Jesus...
Like this song goes :
Breath of heaven,
Hold me together,
Be forever near me,
Breath of heaven.
Breath of heaven,
Lighten my darkness,
Pour over me your holiness,
For you are holy.
1 comment:
I admire the way you put your thoughts into words. It is just beautiful and this really spoke to me. Thank you!
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