Real

At the time, when this word spoke to me, I had been feeling a little lost and struggling with making time for prayers each day.  I remember praying that morning more urgently to Jesus to feel His real presence, like I have experienced so many times in the past.  Now, especially with today being the first Sunday of Advent, is a perfect time to ignite that light in great anticipation of this very REAL historical event of our baby Jesus being born to a virgin, Mary.  How many times have we heard this story over and over again?  You may not question, “Is the story real”; but it’s quite possible the words are so familiar, it loses some of the reality of this miracle.  Maybe you have even memorized the events, able to repeat them to others.  But how real do we feel inside as we begin this season of Advent?  Do we read the story of Jesus’ birth like a book of fiction, or rush through the verses as an event that was written long ago, no longer having an impact on our lives today?

I sit silently, close my eyes, and put my physical self in this real historical moment. Maybe I could have held the baby Jesus in my arms, feeling His soft, newborn skin.  I imagine me speaking comforting words to Him, gazing into His eyes.  I imagine embracing the new parents, Mary and Joseph, and celebrating with them the birth of their new Son, destined to save us all.  Can you imagine witnessing the miracle of that bright star appearing in the north, leading both shepherds and wise men, announcing our Lord’s birth?  I would have stood on real holy ground that many can still relive today.  It was a real event, not just words written in a book.  How much do we take for granted this REAL story that changed our lives forever.

I have many real events that have happened in my life on this earth – memories that have led me to where I am today.  I was born, I was loved and protected by great parents, I’ve celebrated birthdays and holidays, I met my now husband, married, built a beautiful life together.  I could go on and on describing all these real events!  But none of them are even close to being as significant as the birth of a baby boy in Bethlehem.  He was real then, and He is real now.  Let us recall the birth of our Lord with renewed excitement this year for the real event that took place that changed yours and my life forever.  He came to earth in human form so that we would never feel lost.  Thank you, God, for the miracle of your Son.  May we read the story of his birth during this Advent with a renewed spirit full of anticipation and gratitude.

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7