Luke 2
By Pastor Libby
A Mother’s Perspective
Having a child is a big responsibility. The average cost of raising a child in a middle-class American household through age 18 is approximately $269,520, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Yet beyond the scope of finances the emotional cost of raising a child is even more expensive.
As a parent how many nights have you stayed awake listening for your child’s breathing or waiting for them to arrive safely back home? What dreams and hopes do you have for them?
In Luke Chapter 2, I am caught up in Mary’s emotions, what she must have felt when Simeon said to her, “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many …a sign to be spoken against…And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (v.34-35)
Mary was like many a mother with hopes and dreams for her eldest son, yet much of what he did was confusing to her, she herself didn’t understand all that was to be for him, how much hurt would be involved in her care and love for him. As Jesus stayed behind at the temple in Luke 41 I can imagine Mary’s anxiety as she asked her friends and relatives, “Have you seen Jesus lately; where can that boy be?!”
Isn’t that the way of it with children? There are times of joy and times of sorrow and it is our job as parents to continue to bring them before the Lord, even when we don’t understand all that is to be for them.
Pray for a child this week. Bring them before the Lord. Love them as a parent would with the cost in mind, their lives given to Christ in full surrender.
