Family members and friends frequently get their first look at newborn babies in hospital maternity wards. The baby they seek is securely kept in a sanitized room; snugly wrapped in a pink or blue receiving blanket and visible behind a large picture window. I clearly remember our Toledo Pastor, Harold Whitlock’s reaction when he saw our son Lee.

Brother Whitlock had first come directly to visit me. We chatted about the surprise of the birth weight of Lee. First child, daughter April weighed 6 lbs.7 oz. To my amazement, Lee weighed in at 8 lbs.15 oz. A busy man, our pastor said his goodbyes and left to return only minutes later. After seeing the boy for himself he remarked at how big he really was!

We don’t know Jesus’ birth weight but do know he had no extended family or lifelong friends of parents at His first viewing. The shepherds saw him in a stable that was far from sanitary. This was no ordinary birth. He was no ordinary baby. Mary gave birth to Christ the Lord, the Son of God. The swaddling cloth served as receiving blanket and no Hebrew priest visited mother and child.

But… God sent an unmatched birth announcement.

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger (Luke 2:10-12 KJV).”

Published articles in Mature Living Magazine, Devotions for the Deaf, The Secret Place, Coosa Journal, Mary Hollingsworth's The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter, Jo Krueger's Every Day in God's Word. http://www.pamforddavis.com
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