PREPARING A PLACE
I grew up on a farm around animals. Cows, a donkey, pigs and chickens and a few ducks, that had to be fed and watered. We also had Shetland ponies that were trained and groomed daily since many of them were show ponies. We had to prepare these ponies for the next event so they could outshine the competition, win trophies and ribbons. Training a Shetland to stand and pose with his head held high took hours and months of preparation.
The birth of a new animal was always a treasured event. But when a show Shetland pony mare was expecting, there was a different kind of anticipation. This always took a lot of preparation, especially as the date drew near. We had to clean a stall, put down fresh hay and water. Towels and blankets had to be nearby to wipe down the foal, after its birth. or to rub down the mare to keep her calm as she went into labor. Sponges were needed to keep the mare cool. We needed to be prepared in case there was a difficult birth. When the preparation was finished, we would bring the mare into the stall. Many a night I would keep a vigilant eye, nestled snugly in the hay, the smells of animals nearby as I sat wrapped in my blanket, focused, and anticipating the birth.
I am not a patient person so waiting in anticipation was difficult as I snuggled in a corner of the stall, waiting for what seemed days. Then suddenly it happened, the mare gave birth in the wee hours of the morning. I turned on the light overhead so I could be ready to help if needed. I helped her clean the new foal with sponges and dry it off with the towels, before running to the house rejoicing and shouting, “the baby has arrived.” The whole family rushed to see this beautiful miracle of birth.
This is December and Christmas is near and today I am reminded of this lesson in the barn around the smelly animals and hay. I’m reminded of the many hours spent preparing and waiting for a birth. This is December 12th, and I am reading the 12th chapter of Luke as I anticipate the birth of my savior. I am thankful for a church that believes in Advent because it helps us prepare, to focus on the birth of Jesus.
I can just imagine the excitement that Joseph and Mary must have felt as they prepared a stall for the birth of Jesus. I'm sure Joseph placed fresh hay down for Mary to lie on and he too nestled snugly in the hay, wrapped in a blanket, focused, and anticipating the miracle of birth.
My prayer this season is that, as we prepare and wait, our hearts and minds are ready for the coming of Jesus so we can rejoice in this wonderful miracle.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
