Silent Night, Holy Night

Many of my Christmas Nights began with putting on my uniform and going to the hospital to take care of new mothers, sleeping babies, and tired fathers. I chose this Christmas night shift so that I could be at home with my family and participate in all our Christmas festivities on Christmas day. By midafternoon we had enjoyed our Christmas breakfast, opened our presents, gone to both grandmothers' for more Christmas food and presents, and shared the joy of Christmas with our extended families.

By three o'clock in the afternoon Christmas Evening began for me.

Walking onto the maternity floor at the hospital was seemingly like going back into Christmas time. Tired and happy new mothers and fathers and precious new babies reminded me what that first night could have been like for the holy family. The angels and shepherds had come and gone after praising God and singing their "Glory Hallelujahs" to the newborn King. The animals held vigil for this family occupying their stable, and Mary and Joseph—tired from their journey and labors, holding their newborn and praising God—presented God's holy gift to us, to our world.

"Joy to the World, The Lord Has Come!"

Reflect and Respond

• What does JOY mean to you?
• What has been your experience so far with newborn babies? Are you comfortable with them? Why or why not?
• Pick up a package of diapers and/or wipes today, and donate it to a Pregnancy Help Center (or to the families of our church Food Pantry).