by Candace Arthuria
Thank you, heavenly Father, for every baby who is born in the warmth and security of a sanitized facility. I am thinking of One who was not. His mother was not guilty of any infraction against your law or the laws of mankind. She did not succumb to a man who was not her husband. A chaste and holy woman, she was a chosen vessel unto you, enduring the indignities of those who would not believe. Thank you for the angel who reassured her fiancé of her innocence. Blessed is Mary among women—and Joseph, whose faith was the prototype for marriages made in heaven.
Those were difficult days. There were no hospitals promising safe delivery, no music or jingled bells to announce the baby’s arrival. No doctors or anesthesiologists, not even a place for his mother to lay her head. Yet under the care of the angels, she delivered the Light of the World in the humblest accommodations. However, no sooner than she did, the treacherous King Herod, fearing the birth of his rival, decreed that the innocent Child should be put to death. To ensure a successful execution, all male children, age two and under, should suffer the same fate at the hands of his brutal assassins. Thank you, dear Lord, for the wisdom of the wise men who chose to go another way when asked to reveal the whereabouts of the Child. Thank you for the brown people and absence of walls that allowed sanctuary in Egypt—the perfect example of political asylum for immigrant, refugee families.
As most of us know, that is not where the story ends. The boy grew up to personify your perfection, as the embodiment of love and hope—until the ignorant masses fulfilled Herod’s evil intent. But even then, He arose in victory, imparting salvation to all who believe. Followers of Christ Jesus live to share that inheritance with the world.
As we open our gifts, eat more than we should, and watch touchy-feely movies about love and mistletoe, infuse us, dear Father, with the true and Holy Spirit. Let the Christ-child be forever emblazoned upon the remembrance of your children.
“Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Isaiah 7:14
Candace Arthuria began her career in Corporate Communications and currently writes short fiction, essays, and poetry. Her work is multi-cultural, inter-generational, and expands across a broad range of genres. During the pandemic, Candace completed a diverse collection entitled “Very Short Stories for Very Busy People.” Her objective is to capture readers’ imaginations without consuming too much of their time. She has published with the International Women’s Writing Guild, the Teaneck Public Library Archives, and Friday Flash Fiction.
Agape Review 
Eunice, Mr. H, and Ron:
Thank you all for recognizing that the life and legacy of Jesus Christ are not limited to a single season or day. It was gracious of you to comment when you could have easily chosen to “go another way.” First the Birth, then the Resurrection. I look forward to your reading my current essay, “The Easter Gift From My Jewish Friend.” May God bless and keep you.
Candace AW
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Candance, your gift of words paints a tapestry that indelibly saturates the soul and brings abiding joy and comfort. Thank you for sharing!
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It might be after Christmas, but this message is timeless. Thanks for the reminder as we head off into a new year, Candace!
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Candace this is a beautiful tribute to our Savior. I particularly liked the comment you made about Jesus and his family being immigrants. THis is not usually commented on. I always enjooy your writing.
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Thank you all for the kindness of your comments. God bless you and your loved ones as we enter the unknown of 2022 with faith and thanksgiving to our Lord for having brought us through.
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CA Williams! Once again, proof of your sterling commitment to belief in Christ and your wordsmanship is well crafted, conceived and executed! This time our souls are overjoyed as you celebrate God with your craft. readers will always gravitate to your cerebral treatment. God blesses you!
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Very inspiring story about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is wrote in way anyone would understand the birth of Jesus and the reason for the season. Great story I enjoyed it immensely!
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Candace, this is a beautiful tribute to our Lord and Saviour Jesus the Christ. It took me back in time almost 2000 years ago and I realized that we are still at the same place. We are just a little more bolder.
Thank you Candace for sharing your talent with me. I’m excitedly awaiting your next post.
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Candace this is an absolutely beautiful telling of the times and birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ told in your own words. I appreciate how your story brings to one’s mind the same present day situations that existed back then. Your writing is definitely a “gift”. God bless you and yours this Christmas season and in the upcoming new year.
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Candace, this is a beautiful remembrance of our Lord and Savior. Your words pricked my heart and stirred my soul. May we all focus on what matters this Christmas–it might be our last opportunity to do so. Thank you, and may God continue to bless you.
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