This Child (a poem for all whose hearts are heavy because of a child)

It's Christmas season
     the tree is sparkling with tinsel and lights
     every nook of my home has been transformed
     cookies have been baked
     parties have begun.
All this to celebrate the birth of a SPECIAL BABY
     many many years ago.

This baby, Holy God in the form of a servant,
     was the greatest gift ever given.

This baby grew in wisdom and stature
     and favor with God and man.
     He grew to complete His earthly purpose of giving His life.
This baby became a man who loved children.
The "spiritual" disciples, trying to protect Jesus from the unimportant interruptions,
     scolded those who brought the little ones to Jesus for a blessing.
But this special Baby Grown Up As A Man, JESUS, said,
     "I WANT little children to come to me,
     so never interfere with them when they want to come,
     for heaven's kingdom realm is composed of beloved ones like these."
     as He placed His hands of blessing on each of them.

On this dark and cold December morning,
     my heart is heavy for a precious baby in my life,
     for the loved little ones who never got a chance to see earthly life,
     for the arms that ache to hold them
     for the parents seeking answers for their beautiful babies
     for the many families who are shedding tears because of crushed
            hopes and dreams.
I take comfort in knowing that THIS BABY,
     who is the REDEEMER OF ALL
     warmly welcomes each of these little ones as we bring them to 
           Him for blessing.
No child is too small, 
No life insignificant
Or unnoticed by our tender Savior.

This GOD-CHILD fulfilled His purpose, 
     His difficult earthly destiny to bring eternal blessings.
Because of His gift, each life, whether long or short on this earth,
     is valuable and precious and FILLED WITH PURPOSE 
     from the Creator of life.
And for this I rejoice.

Dear Jesus, we find comfort in your gentle compassion

     knowing that we can bring our precious babies to You

     and Your arms are never too full for one more

     Your hands are ever reaching.

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior-King,

     may all sadness and fear be enveloped in Your peace and comfort.

Thank You for loving our babies even more than we do.

Thank you for peace in the middle of unanswerable questions

Joy in the hope of eternity where all will be well.