While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.  Luke 2:6-7 (NLT)
As I have traveled this journey called life there have been many crossroads and turns that have taken me in a different direction than what I thought I would be traveling. The birth of my first child (in my case, children as I had twins) was, without a doubt, the second most profound change in my life. I thought I was ready for the changes. I certainly wanted all of my children. But I was clueless about the changes that would come in my life.
Some changes were more easily identifiable and I changed course happily. Such a miracle the way God brings a child into this world. Before I knew it, there was gymnastics, baseball, band, and birthday parties.
Some changes were more subtle and yet required more effort and, I am ashamed to say, I did not do very well. Those changes involved my ego. A baby means that my sleep will come when his/her sleep comes. A baby means diapers, food, clothes, and doctor bills that come when most parents’ income decreases as childcare takes its major chunk in the ‘cost of living’ list. The birth means it is all about “him/her†and “me†slips down the list.
The Baby born on that night in Bethlehem was no different. He changed everything in Mary and Joseph’s life. AND He changed everything in my life. On that night, when the Father sent His Son to earth, the road went from Bethlehem to Calvary. The Father had a plan that was wrapped in a Promise that had been given to redeem His children. The Baby was the Messiah before His first breath. The Baby was a King and a Savior even as He laid in a manger where cattle fed. The Baby changed everything.
The life-giving change that came into my life when I committed my life to Jesus was the most profound change in my life. Some changes were extraordinary as my sins and pain were washed away in the Blood of Jesus. Some changes were subtle and continue to require more effort as I let go of “me†and focus on “Himâ€. Jesus changes everything.
A Baby Changes Everything by Craig Wiseman and Tim Nichols, sung by Faith Hill
