Nothing will overshadow the miraculous birth of the son of God and our Savior, Jesus. But with our family’s experiences this year, the miracle of the complex development of a small human and birth has become more real. This year we were blessed with the addition of two more grandsons…doubling our number of grandkids. Jackson and Haverlee were answers to many prayers and we have been so blessed by them the past three years. I have absolutely loved being their Mimi and treasure the relationship I have with both of them. But these next two were somehow different. I’ve learned so many lessons from them. The first of which is that it is too easy to take life for granted and overlook God’s miracle of birth. We expect to welcome a “typical” baby into the family. And what a miracle it is when that occurs. But also what if it doesn’t?

I have always assumed that Jesus’ birth was typical. The circumstances surrounding it definitely weren’t but that Jesus was a typical baby. But what if he didn’t have all ten fingers and toes. Did he have colic? Did he go back to sleep instead of keeping Mary up all night after being fed? Would we view him as less than perfect if he had a club foot or a heart condition? What if he had a lazy eye or a myelomingecele on his back? Or a wart on his nose? Would we still accept him as perfect and the Son of God? It’s definitely something I’ve never considered before.

This year we waited for and are celebrating the arrival of two notable persons for us. We had been hoping and praying for God to bless us with both of these babies. Sutton arrived 9 days early and for me witnessing his birth was so surreal. I’ve attended/assisted other births but his was different. I’m not quite sure how to explain it other than it really hit me hard how miraculous the whole birth process is. Watching your baby give birth to her baby is indescribable. We are so thankful for a healthy blue-eyed, red-haired cutie patootie. And then we prepared for Braxton’s birth. One we have known for months would not be typical. Braxton decided to arrive 19 days early. He will celebrate his first Christmas in the NICU at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. And we will spend at large part of our day celebrating with him. We have witnessed several miracles in the last couple days since he arrived…again some of those we would just expect for a typical birth. But for him…they were not expected and are answers to many prayers.

One challenge I had given myself this past week is to “See” others. I still fail at this but want to point out a few.

1. The NICU nurses that have been so gentle and loving to us and Braxton. They will be spending time on Christmas Day monitoring him rather than with their own families.
2. The security guard that makes sure our little one is safe and we have the proper clearance to see him.
3. Friends and others who have recently experienced loss of loved ones and will face their first holidays without them.
4. The very sick woman in the special delivery unit with a lily on her door signifying the loss of her baby.
5. The homeless people we see way too often on the street just trying to survive.
6. The NICU baby that hasn’t had any visitors and another that has been in the unit for weeks/months with parents that live too far away to visit often.
7. The person that decided to take a package from our doorstep. I’m hoping they needed it more than we did.
8. Friends who are anticipating and will be celebrating a wedding in a couple days.
9. The cafeteria worker who wasn’t excited about making a salad 10 minutes before closing time.
10. The cashier whose goal was to put a smile on everyone’s face.
11. The transit workers who were so friendly and patient with trying to help a non-city girl navigate the public transportation system. And the very grumpy bus driver.
12. The tired and hurting mother that just wants to bring her baby home and not leave him in the hospital.
13. Family members who wish they could be together but are unable to.
14. The people in the NICU waiting room that have become friends since they have spent so many hours/days there or at the Ronald McDonald House.
15. The 3 year old little boy in our house with a tender heart and quick smile that is working hard to adapt to a new baby brother, an unfamiliar environment, living in a city and is extremely excited about Christmas.
16. Friends living away from home due to illness and the need for specialized treatment.
17. The ones that just got engaged and are excitedly anticipating a future together.

Our story really isn’t unique. Everyone has a story and most have experienced an Advent this past year. Something they have looked forward to or expected. Something prayed for or worked on. I tend to think of Advent as a positive experience. But it may not be for everyone. I hope I can celebrate with those celebrating and keep a tender heart for those who Advent may be a painful or lonely experience.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6