The Indescribable Birth
Picture taken by Lisa Stenger. Pictured: Woodturned baby rattle ornament. Hand crafted by my husband Howard made from the actual crib both our boys used.
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15
Just three days before Christmas Eve, it is ten o'clock in the morning, and there I lay prepped and ready for a cesarean section, anticipating the birth of our second son. I was cool as a cucumber; after all, this was planned, and I had time to prepare. On the other hand, my husband was dressed in scrubs and anxiously paced the floor. We didn't know if the baby would be a boy or a girl. The surprise was part of our anticipated excitement. We agreed on the name Sarah Elizabeth if it was a girl. However, still could not agree on a boy's name. He wanted Justin, but that was the name of his brother's son. I just didn't feel right also calling our son by that name. We talked about a few other boys' names, but he was set on Justin at this time.
"All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." John 1:3 (KJV)
The nurse came in and asked if it was okay that they take an emergency cesarean patient in before me. I quickly responded, "Of course, yes." I'm sure she was just being polite by asking and not just telling me what to expect. When she left the room, my husband asked why I let them do that. I had to chuckle. He was having a difficult time waiting. The anticipation and excitement were building up inside of him. I remained relaxed and in no rush. I had nowhere to be; the interruption wasn't a big deal for me.
"Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign; The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)
Consider what God had exposed through Isaiah, who addressed King Ahaz of Judah in Isaiah 7. This is proof of God knowing us before we are even born. He already knows what purpose we will be created for. The Old Testament in Isaiah 7:14 says that Prophet Isaiah shares in the birth of a son named Immanuel (God with us), even that he will be born to a young woman. Incredible! And the house of David and all the people had to wait for the coming of a savior for God to be among us walking on this earth. This is remarkable news of this exceptional birth. Just imagine their feelings of generational anticipation.
It wasn't long after I was wheeled to the operating room. Within 15 minutes, they announced over the hung sheet separating my head from my torso, "It is a baby boy!" This sudden emotional rush comes over your body at that moment. It is like nothing you can imagine or explain unless you are in that situation. This precious child with an unblemished heart and mind was born to us. At this very moment, he has been free from exposure to this human world and all its experiences. He hasn't been influenced yet or tainted with the everyday pollutions of the human nature of this world. This child of ours has been born to appear unlike anyone else and yet shares the same creator, same savior, and same purpose to share in growing God's kingdom.
Jesus' birth is an uncommon birth. He was brought into this world with the purpose of influence and the expectation to be our savior, freeing all people from sin so that we may have an everlasting life. That is the indescribable birth to celebrate!
As I was brought into the recovery room and my husband and son joined me, we still didn't have a name agreed upon. My husband was filled with excitement, joy, and the pure rush of being a new parent, holding his son in his arms. He handed me our little one to hold for the first time. All the emotions I was feeling in the last 30 minutes poured out. He was beautiful, just precious in every way. My husband looked at me and said, "I want you to name him." Of course, I didn't know what to say since Justin was the only name on his table, but I responded with, "How about Christopher," and he immediately responded with, "Christopher Adam." That quick, our son was blessed with an immediate decision that seemed planned all along. Christopher wasn't on our list, and yet it just happened, just like that. With some convincing, my doctors let us go home on Christmas Eve to celebrate Christmas morning with our 7-year-old son Jonathan. Our "Christ Child" was born, another indescribable birth to celebrate!
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Sharing your indescribable gift with others:
Where does your inspiration come from?
What story can you share that will bring someone hope?
How can you share the remarkable influence of Jesus with others?
PRAY
Wonderful Counselor,
Your love for me is indescribable. To know you thought about creating me before my conception is amazing and beyond my comprehension. Thank you for the indescribable gift of Jesus. Thank you for my treasure of freely given salvation, a gift I can often take for granted. Reveal the wisdom to observe those you surround me with so I may share the gift of Jesus Christ with them. Let my witness to your work be a message of hope to those who will listen. Help me be an uncommon influence who will expose your truth. Free me from the pollution of this earth so I may serve you with a clean heart. I want to draw from your word and bask in the warmth of your love and the love of your one and only son. May my expressions of love for you show how much I am in awe of all your creation. Thank you for the peace and joy I find through knowing and spending time with you. In Jesus' name, Amen!
