To Us A Son Is Given

When we arrived at the hospital the stars were still out, even though dawn was breaking. The four white pillars before the entrance had been wrapped in swags of greenery, and they gave the hospital a festive air.

I, at any rate, was festive. I had just eaten an Egg McMuffin, with an extra large coffee and a hash browns, because it was the last meal I expected to eat for many, many hours. This day had been carefully planned, well thought out, and long anticipated.

It was the day my son was born.

In what we now know to be his customary fashion, he’d taken his time to arrive. When first given his due date, we thought we’d have a Thanksgiving baby. We didn’t know I’d have to be induced so we could have him for the First Sunday of Advent.

That day was long. It was filled with joy and awe, but it was long. I won’t talk about the state of the art birthing room, the way my husband cut the cord, the way that my parents stood by anticipating the new life to arrive. I won’t talk about holding my son for the first time, and being overcome by two disparate things: his little fingers are exact copies of mine, and was I really to be responsible for him forevermore? Could I do it?

I never sent birth announcements when he was born. I felt it would be incredibly presumptuous of me, in the season of our Saviour’s birth, to say, “Hey! I had a son, too!” To me, every birth pales in comparison to Mary’s.

Her birthing room was dusty, her husband probably didn’t have the proper scissors, and her parents weren’t around to be an encouragement. But, she had a heavenly host, she had a shining star, she had gifts from the Wise Men, and she gave us a gift. The promised Saviour.

As I remember the birth of my son, on this day twenty years ago, I also remember the birth of the Lord. It’s His birth announcement which I want to proclaim every year.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas. May His peace be with you always.

(Find more posts for the Virtual Advent Tour here.)

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27 thoughts on “To Us A Son Is Given”

  2. Lovely post, my friend. My babe was also born this week. We thought she'd arrive closer to Thanksgiving, as well, but wound up eleven days late. It's been 27 years and I still remember the day like it was yesterday. Happy Birthday to your son!

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  6. Thanks for reminding us the Reason for the Season. And, so glad to read about your own experience of childbirth. I can relate to that… although I didn't get the Egg McMuffin. My son has just turned 21. Happy Birthday to yours!

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  9. Thank you for reminding me again of the priorities. I remember reviewing them for you years ago. I was fascinated that a young child cared so much about understanding the "order of things" and here you are today proclaiming Jesus in all His wonder. Jesus the One who came out of prophecy ordered exactly as the heavenly Founder decreed bringing us order and fulfillment. This day is spectacular to me because my first grandchild was born, the birth journey was awesome and my daughter was splendid. I sat writing christmas cards, never guessing that the years would pass so quickly. But once again my girl child utterly charms me, reminding us of those eternal priorities, the birth of Jesus. Hallelujah! Annonymous

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  10. Thank you for your heartfelt post reminding us of the gift of life and the greatest gift of all, Life in Jesus. Every blessing this Christmas and especially a happy birthday to your son.Our son was meant to be a Christmas baby, but being late, he arrived 2nd January. Nevertheless, what joy!

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  14. Awesome post! I, too, had a son twenty years ago near this time and I'm embarrassed to say I've never really stopped to compare how much easier I had it than Mary. I'm sure from now on that will be a part of his birthday celebration – to stop and consider the birthday celebration coming soon. Thanks!

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  17. What a beautiful post. You took me back to seeing my baby son's small hands over 23 years ago. It is lovely for someone like me to hear your faith shining through. Peaceful wishes to you too.

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  19. lovely post. I had a baby in December and my youngest grandson was born just yesterday. My heart is full of joy as these births, and your beautifully written post remind me of the most important birth of all.

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