Away in a Manger, No Crib for a Bed

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

25 Dec 2006 12:27 PM

Today, around the world Christians celebrate the birth of their Savior and the head of their Church, the young man who would be born in Bethlehem to a mother named Mary. His parents were not of Bethlehem, but they were on their way to pay their taxes when Mary found herself in labor and they took shelter in the stables of an inn because there were no available rooms.

It's a beautiful tale and one that reaches into the depths of the compassionate person's soul to touch them. As a mother and a parent, it speaks to the part of you that wants what is best for their child that wants them to be safe and warm and nurtured. Consider for a moment, as a mother or a father, how you would feel.

I am not looking for Biblical understanding, but the understanding of the human heart. We all love our children, we nurture our infants and we hold them close to our breast to keep them safe, warm and cared for. We sing to them, we nurture them and we willingly sacrifice all we have to give to them.

Mary was a Mother

Never forget the human element in the story. The element of being a mother and a father and a child, Mary and Joseph were the human embodiment of selfless love and understanding that every parent aspires to. They were the ultimate stepfamily and Joseph loved his son Jesus, every bit as much as he would if the child had been of his own body.

When I think of the story of away in a manger, no crib for a bed, I remember the hardships that parents must face when they become parents. I think of Mary sitting in the stable, gathering what warmth she could from the animals around her and the lowing sounds they made in the night. I think of her singing to her newborn child and stroking a finger against his soft cheek. I can imagine all of these things, because I know how I felt when I ran my finger down my daughter's soft cheek.

Merry Christmas to all of you who are parents, will be parents and are all the children of someone, who were all loved and all given hugs, nurturing and gentle lullabies - you may not have been born in manger and you may have had a crib for a bed - but love is the greatest gift we are all given and the greatest gift we can give. Never forget that and take today to embrace it.

Related Articles:

What Made the Wise Men Wise?

Babies in the News: A Story of Hope at Christmas

Why I Am Thankful to be a Mom

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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