I watched as my daughter-in-law cocooned her newborn son in a thin, soft blanket. Comfort cuddled his tiny body, and he slumbered. Her tender care was his pleasure.

What a beautiful vision of attentive parenting.

When my thoughts turned to the birth of Christ, I found it hard to wrap my mind around the truth that He too came into this world in need of nurture and care. His care was entrusted to the young woman who “found favor with God” (Luke 1:30 ESV), and who replied, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38 ESV).

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Luke 2:4-7 ESV

Mary swaddled the Savior.

Strips of cloth strung together and lovingly wrapped around the fragile body of her baby. From her snug and quiet womb, Jesus was birthed. At long last, she held the glory of heaven in her hands. Then she swaddled the Savior with the cloths of her world. Such a practical act amid her devotion to God Almighty. Christ lay in a manger bathed in the love and care of His mother.

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. 

Luke 2:8-12 ESV

Mary was not mentioned, but evidence of her care was noted in the glorious proclamation of the Savior’s birth. Consider the sign given to the shepherds who sought Him: … you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.

In the most basic, practical, and humble sense of life, Mary provided exactly what baby Jesus needed. She wrapped Him with love–her love, according to the means she was afforded.

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As guardians of little ones this side of heaven, can we find solace and guidance in Mary’s humble care of Christ?

Our children may not have all the comforts we desire to bestow when it comes to the amenities of life, but when we have the love of Christ nestled in our servant’s heart, what could money buy that would out-value the gift we can lavish on our littles?

Mary’s love of God was the gift she gave our Savior. Her humble heart and devoted service was her offering to the glory of our Savior.

May our hearts bow down in humble service to our Lord, and may His love become our offering to those in our care. May the gift of love be more than words on paper. May we swaddle our family in love, the love of Christ that comforts for all eternity.

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May we swaddle our family in love, the love of Christ that comforts for all eternity. One Humble Heart by Charla Matthews #Christmas #Love #Family

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