Gifts of Life by Barbara Moore
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” John 1 When did God become flesh? At conception? At birth? If Jesus Christ had been aborted during Mary’s pregnancy, would it have been just a blob of issue destroyed, or the Son of God? After the angel revealed God’s plan for man’s redemption to Mary, she responded, “Be it done unto me according to thy word!” The Holy Spirit came upon her and the power of the Highest overshadowed her. The virgin was with child and the child within her womb was the Son of God! Emmanuel! God with us! Unto Joseph, Mary’s espoused husband, the angel of the Lord said, “Fear not to take unto thee Mary…for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” (Mt. 1:20) “That which is conceived” leaves no room for doubt or question. The Bible says that human life begins at conception, not birth. And each human life is valuable in the sight of God, no exceptions. God created man in His own image and likeness. God breathed His very life into man’s nostrils. Man is sacred to God, different and set apart from all other forms of life. God has a plan and purpose for each one of us. No one is disposable. No one is a “throw away.” And all of mankind need each gift of life that God gives. Each death is our loss. This Christmas season as we are thanking God for the Gift of Eternal Life in Jesus Christ and celebrating His birth, let’s remember all the precious gifts of life that God has sent, which will never be “unwrapped”, allowed to be born, to be held, loved, and treasured. Is there room in our hearts for them? My hope and prayer is for everyone to have a blessed Christmas, making room in our hearts for the glorious King of Kings and Lord of Lords, our Savior, Jesus Christ. And then can we make room in our hearts for all the precious gifts of life that He sends?