The Arrival

from January 2022

by GoodNews Christian Magazine

Indoor Winter Party

Gò0dNews for Grandparents

by Wayne Williams

“H ow sweet to hold a newborn baby and feel the pride and joy he brings.” What celebratory words to calmly exclaim

“the arrival” of an innocent newbie into an everchanging world, both indicative of God’s creative genius. Recently, my wife and I had the glorious experience to “hold” our newborn grandbaby. It is the first for us, and obviously the first child for her parents, our daughter Brittany, and her husband Dennis. I am happy to report that both mother and baby are healthy, and all are doing well at the present time. After years of hearing from our contemporaries, my wife and I now know why they are called “grand” children. Yes, because they are truly “Grand!” Following the highly festive holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas while reflecting on our familial addition caused me to think more spiritually about what it means to have a new arrival. I have concluded that there is a beyond reasonable degree of expectation, anticipation, celebration, and proclamation.

Expectation. And what are God’s expectations of me?

Well, the prophet radically posted the same question and likewise submitted a transformative response when he declared, “And what does the Lord require of you? Only this: to do what is right, to show mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (New Catholic Bible). Yes, my wife and I, as well as “Baby K’s” parents, have a proverbial laundry list of expectations of her. Likewise, and you can be sure she has and will well over into teen years, have expectations of them and us!

Anticipation. After nine months of prayer, patience, and endless preparation, she, this bundle of joy, made her arrival. But not without much anticipation. The Bible provides numerous scripture references that infer Christ’s coming into the world, Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 1:26-33, to name a few. But it is

Galatians 4:4 that addresses the anticipation question when the apostle Paul stated, “But when the fullness of time came,

God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law” (Modern English Version).

Celebration. And what would the birth of a newborn be without some rejoicing and sighs of relief? Jesus, Himself said, “When a woman is giving birth, she has pain, because her hour has come. But as soon as she delivers the child, she no longer remembers the anguish for joy that a child is born into the world” (John 16:21, MEV). Even now, I don’t know who is more relieved that this gestation cycle has come full term—me, my wife, or the baby’s parents. Certainly, the mother, our daughter. And yet, with serious consideration for her humorously stated, one would have thought our son-in-law gave birth!

Proclamation. Lastly, exclaiming to family and friends that we are grateful, proud, and finally “grandparents” is the only thing that outweighs the narrative of the delivery itself. Similarly, as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, you and I have the duty, as did the early shepherds, to “[make] known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child” (Luke 2:17).

As the expectation continues to evolve, the anticipation has ended, and the celebration has been ignited. All that remains is the perpetual proclamation. “But greater still the calm assurance [that] this child [as well as you and I] can face uncertain days because He lives!” concludes the verse of the beloved song penned by the famous songwriter Bill Gaither.

Happy New Year everybody and make the most of its “arrival!”

About The Author

Wayne & Lita Williams are residents of Athens, Tennessee. She is a retiring social worker. He presently serves as a local supply pastor. Together, they have been in pastoral and outreach ministry for over 40 years.

Faith Haven

Christian Academy

Faith Haven is an accredited, independent, non-denominational Christian school serving grades PreK through fifth grade. Our mission is to foster a safe and encouraging environment—an atmosphere that enhances the holistic growth of students: intellectual, physical, artistic, and spiritual.