I recently read of an old legend about the baby Jesus. When the people of Nazareth where upset, tired, weary, angry, annoyed, or out of sorts they would say, “Let’s go look at Mary’s child.” When they looked upon the baby Jesus, they gained peace and their troubles would not seem as burdensome.
As legends go, I’m sure this one is not all that accurate. After all, Jesus was not readily accepted as the son of God by those he grew up with. However, the principle is beautiful. For when we take our eyes off Jesus our circumstances feel overwhelming. Every disappointment, set-back, trial, or unfulfilled expectation can seem insurmountable. And truthfully, without Jesus, our problems are too much to bear. That’s why 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to cast all our cares upon Jesus, for he cares for us – more than we could ever imagine. We are of value to him.
In fact, God values us so much he thought us worth the life, sacrifice, death, and resurrection of Jesus. For Jesus wasn’t just Mary’s child, he was God’s child too.
The story of people looking at baby Jesus’ face in biblical times is just a legend. However, the principle is solid. An old hymn tells us to turn our eyes upon Jesus. Look full into his wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.
When life starts getting us down, perhaps we should go look at Mary’s child.
