Being Midwives to each other...

Have you ever wondered about why Jesus had to come to earth as a baby? Why did He not come in a cloud of glory with trumpets blowing and smoke billowing? The Old Testament God – that would have put fear into the hearts of unbelievers (and probably believers too…) here on earth! Why would He submit Himself to being born as a small vulnerable infant here on this earth and that in a time when it was very dangerous for any baby linked to the name Messiah to be born? Herod was growing increasingly mad with the thought that there was competition to his title ‘King of the Jews’ and we all know the tragic story…ends up giving the order to murder all the boy children under the age of 2. As part of my training as a nurse, I have completed training as a midwife. Every time I have had the privilege of helping another little baby into this world, the vulnerability of both the mother and the infant has struck me. As most women who have given birth will know, at the time when those labour pains are upon you, you are utterly and completely vulnerable. You cannot run away from danger and you are doubled over with pains that just never seem to end. For the baby it is also a potentially dangerous time, as there are many circumstances that can cause harm and even death to him or her as well as to the mother. But oh the joy of holding a perfect little thing in your arms and being able to hand him to parents who have waited for months and even years for that perfect moment is something that I will treasure! Now – imagine that for our God. A vulnerable little baby – a vulnerable young Mary – why? Perhaps because we worship a God who delights in us carrying each other’s burdens, helping each other along during our time of vulnerability. I believe that God wants us to be as midwives for each other. Yes – even the men. A midwife uses her skill to ‘stand in the gap’ for that unprotected woman who desperately needs comfort, assurance that all is well, and care. The midwife assists the young mother-to-be to give birth to what is ultimately so precious…new life. I believe that Jesus wants that from us. He wants us to help each other give birth – to new ideas, new life, hope – and He wants us to protect that which is new and vulnerable in each other, until it has had a chance to draw breath and become strong. What an image! Would the world not be a better place if we (as Christians) could truly be known for our love and care? Blessings to you!