Infertility and a Baby Born

Christmas is about a baby being born.  There is much talk about the benefits of having a baby especially at Christmas.  This can be especially hard on those who cannot- for whatever reason- have a baby.



There are three means of comfort for those unable to have children.
1) God is able to perform a miracle and open up a closed womb.  So Mary's cousin, Elizabeth, had a child in her old age (her husband didn't want to believe it- it was so impossible).  Mary herself was a virgin who had a child.  But other examples- Sarah had Isaac in her old age.  Rebekah, Hannah all had children in desperate answer to their prayers.  God still can do the impossible.
2) God gives us strength to accept where we are in life.  Patience while we wait but also He is the only one who can help us to be content.  This is not the easy road.  Those who walk in this way will have to call on God again and again and again.  Yet often those who do not have children have done much good.  I think of Anna who welcomed Jesus in the Temple.  Historically, many who have not had children have been great leaders in faith- Teresa of Avila, Mother Teresa and others.  God is able to help us cope. 
3) God calls us to adopt or foster children.  There is such a terrible need for loving Christian parents to adopt or foster children- not for money but out of a desire to raise a child for Christ.  Thornwell Home and Epworth Children's Home, Bair,  Bethany Christian Services have programs to help.  Joseph fostered/adopted Jesus Christ and is the best example of this.  God is able to help us adapt. 

7He raises the poor from the dust

and lifts the needy from the dump

8to seat them with nobles,

with the princes of His people.

9He settles the barren woman in her home,

as a joyful mother to her children.

Hallelujah!  (Psalm 113:7-9)

God does not always raise the poor from the dust, nor does He always bring children to "the barren woman in her home."  Babies are indeed miracles and gifts from God.  If everyone had babies seamlessly it would not be perceived as a gift, a blessing, a miracle.  God's call upon each of our lives is different.  Some are called to be single.  Others married.  Others married with children.  Others see their grandchildren or great-grandchildren.  Some have disabled children.  Some have miscarriage after miscarriage.  Sadness is mixed with joy on this side of heaven.  Life- whatever God gives us- is a gift in and of itself.  Not all are blessed in the same way- which adds variety and even beauty.  Some are weighed down with the cares of this world- even husbands and children- and it is hard to serve Christ.  God's call to us varies.  But all who believe can still rejoice in the birth of one baby- Jesus.  

PRAYER: Lord, we remember today those who do not have children.  We ask that you would grant them the peace of the Prince of Peace.  Grant them grace to still be able to serve and put their hope in you.