He was finally here, and as she gazed into his face, surely her heart swelled with joy. There was also probably a feeling of relief that the baby was safe nestled in her arms.

Luke’s story in the New Testament of the Bible gives a beautiful account of the birth of Christ.  However, as a mother, I know there was so much more to this story.

It had been a long journey for a pregnant woman, and riding on the back of a donkey must have been miserable in her condition.

Then to have had to labor in a barn surrounded by the sounds and smell of animals must have surely been disconcerting.

And when the labor pains peaked and birth was imminent, there were no other female family members by her side to help.

I wonder what all was going through Mary’s young mind? Already, she had been put through the ringer, pregnant and unmarried, and now on the day of her baby’s birth she was relegated to a barn.

Luke 2 reads, “And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Luke’s story continues with angels spreading the news of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds who were in the fields near by tending their flocks of sheep.

These men, scared at first, but then enlightened, decided to go and visit the baby.

The Gospel says, “And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”

Now, there were strange men traipsing in and out of Mary’s makeshift nursery.

Truly, she was a holy woman chosen by God.

Each year during my church’s Christmas Eve candlelight service, Luke’s story of Christ’s birth is recounted.

This story took on a completely new level of meaning and understanding to me 30 some odd years ago after becoming a mother myself.

I always remember how anxious I was when I went into labor with my first child. However, it was coupled with a feeling of excitement, too. Soon I would be meeting my child.

The feelings I experienced were surely similar to Mary’s feelings, and that is why one of my favorite passages in the bible is the 19th verse in Luke 2.

Every time I hear it read, I feel like I can connect with the holy mother in some small way.

When your newborn baby is placed in your arms, there is a feeling of peace and contentment like no other.

And that verse reads, “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”

Mary had an interesting day, no doubt, with a new baby born in a barn and strange men coming to visit, but she, too, experienced the undeniable presence of God surrounding her in peace.

And quietly she cherished this moment in her heart.

May this Christmas Eve bring you the peace, contentment and joy of Christ in your heart.
Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer for The Vicksburg Post. She can be reached by email at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.