The Baby Is Here!

This past week, we welcomed into the Harris family AnneMarie Lynn, born to our son Jonathan and his wife Danielle on October 13. This is their fourth child, after their three boys, Jesse, jack, and Caleb. That’s right, Annemarie is going to grow up with three older brother—all of whom I know will both challenge her, protect her, and love her. Of course, Kim and I are thrilled to have our first granddaughter. 

Nine months of waiting for the birth of a baby can seen very long at times. From the time the parents find out the mom is pregnant to the time the baby is born can seem like an eternity, both for the parents and for all who are waiting along with them. Even the time that passes between the arrival at the hospital to the moment of birth can seem very long. Yet, before you know it, the baby is here!  After months of preparation and expectation, and then labor, there she is—in this case, a beautiful baby girl!  

I remember clearly the birth of our first born, Jonathan (Annemarie’s dad). Kim had gone through a long labor. She had been in pain, was physically tired, and emotionally drained. I was having a hard time watching all she was going through. (And, she did not want to hear the cues we learned in the birthing class!) But the moment Jonathan was born and placed upon Kim’s chest, it was like nothing had ever happened. Kim’s whole demeanor changed. She relaxed and held onto her baby with an incredible smile on her face. To me, the contrast was shocking and I was left wondering what had just happened! 

This is exactly the way Jesus described it to his disciples as he spoke to them about the grief they would experience at his death and the joy they would experience at his resurrection—and his return. He said, “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (John 16:21-22 - NIV) 

When we are going through pain, difficulties, and grief, it can feel as if time is moving by very slowly. You may be waiting for your situation to end or at least be resolved. And like parents waiting for the birth of their child or a mom going through her time of labor, it can seem as if you are just stuck in the waiting and the pain. But as Jesus promises, our times of grief will not last forever. One day our grief will be turned to joy—especially on that day when we see him face to face!  

So don’t give up. Hold onto hope.  Hold onto your faith. For, like that mother whose pain fades as she gives birth of her beautiful baby, so one day Jesus will turn all your sorrow and pain into an indescribable joy. 

Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris