The Ripple Effect of Joy
Kelly Cooper explores the message of joy described in the Gospel of Luke and how the unexpected birth of a child in a stable many years ago continues to resonate and create meaningful ripples in our lives today. I have a vivid memory of cradling my first child in my arms just minutes after her birth. In that precious moment, a whirlwind of emotions swept through me: wonder, hope, gratitude and an overwhelming sense of responsibility. Our most cherished gift had finally arrived, and she was nothing short of miraculous. The news of her birth spread like wildfire. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and even distant relatives rushed to meet her and share in our joy. Emails and gifts poured in from friends and 24
December 2023
family from around the world. We even received a congratulatory card from my husband’s grandmother’s next-door neighbour! It seemed that the good news of our daughter’s arrival travelled fast and that people from all corners of our lives wanted to be part of our excitement and happiness.
Mary’s joy I wonder if Mary, the mother of Jesus, experienced a similar sense of joy as she cradled her newborn son on that
first Christmas night. Did she gaze upon her baby’s face, marvelling at his fluttering eyelids, his perfect, delicate lips and his soft rhythmical breathing? In that moment, I bet she couldn’t take her eyes off him. Her heart overflowing with love for this baby in her arms. The birth of Jesus took place in a stable in Bethlehem. There was nothing perfect about this scenario for an expectant mother. Exhausted from travelling on a donkey and ready to give birth, a stable was probably
