Miracle of Love: A 5-Day Devotional With Chris TomlinSample

Day 3: A Baby Changes Everything

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 (NIV)

The birth of my daughters absolutely changed my life, so I can imagine that the birth of Jesus changed everything for Mary and Joseph. It also changed everything for you and me.

Do you ever wonder why God sent a baby to save us? He could have sent a powerful warrior riding in on a white horse or a mighty King entering the world with opulent pomp and circumstance.

Instead, he chose to send a baby wrapped in human flesh to two ordinary people in a tiny town. Jesus arrived in the most unassuming way. It certainly wouldn’t have been the way we would have chosen to write the story. So why did God unfold His redemption story in such a unique way?

Personally, I believe He sent His Son as a baby so that we would draw close to Him without fear. 

Have you noticed what happens when first-time parents walk into a restaurant with a newborn? Total strangers come up to them to ooh and aah over their tiny miracle. Babies have a way of drawing us in. 

In the same way, I believe God drew us in at the very beginning with the way He took on flesh. Mary and Joseph looked on with pride as the shepherds and wise men were equally drawn to their child. I like to think even the animals in the stable leaned in close to catch a glimpse of the baby.

This Christmas, God is inviting us to stand in awe of who He is. He is a God who wrapped Himself in flesh so that He could identify with every aspect of the human experience. We can draw close to Him knowing He understands exactly what we’re feeling.

That baby in the manger grew into a child who learned His father’s trade and became a man who took on the sins of the world.

Even now, His invitation is the same: Lean in. Draw near. Come close.

Come see the baby / Crib for a bed / His mother Mary / Lay down His sweet head / The starlight was shining / The wise men were led / Come see the baby / And worship Him —“His Name Is Wonderful”