Smoke Between

Pink knit hats with soft bear ears. Small bundled faces staring back at me, their cheeks flush with the winter wind. They sat warmed by the fire.

Wide eyes of wonder welcomed the scene unfolding before them. The smoke between us was all that was in the way. It blew with the cold wind and a clearing between was given. We smiled big. We all knew the magic before us. We could feel it.

The time has come. God is with us.

Beside me a strong friend welcomed guest as we shared our wonder of this baby’s birth. I was rocking a baby in my arms. Its small body cradled and wrapped tightly with soft strips of cloth.

“An angel came to me as well. He said this child will be great. He will be called the son of the most high and he will inherit the throne of his forefather, David. His Kingdom will never end. It is as the angel of the Lord foretold – no word from God will ever fail.” – Luke 1:30-33 (paraphrase)

The music embraced us. Soft strings of graceful tones, angelic voices unfolding the stories told, the cattle were literally lowing in the grass nearby. The silence was overwhelming in its majestic message.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
– Luke 2:14

“…peace to those on whom His favor rests.” This struck me tonight. As I rocked that baby, heard the shepherds nearby, and saw the sweet faces of children looking through the smoke between us, I couldn’t help but feel it – inside, out – the power of God all around. These children’s eyes were convinced of it. A story became life. It became real through a baby just like them. What peace He brought! “Is the baby real?” the children kept asking. Crowd after crowd, the question the same – “Is that baby real?”

“Yes!” I wanted to cry out. The one he represents. The one who in complete love for us, came to give us peace. Peace from ourselves. The darkness separating us from Him would forever be removed as our wills would allow it.

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” – Luke 2:19

For Mary to literally hold such hope. To hold the beacon of peace and joy in her arms. Of humanity’s salvation. What mother’s heart would not swell with overwhelming thankfulness.

I was overcome by the thoughts Mary must have had on that birth of her son. This time last year I had a son of my own, the thankfulness overwhelming, but I cannot imagine that wonder being coupled with the confirmation of Jesus’ arrival – the savior of the world that had been promised for thousands of years before.

“The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
– Isaiah 9: 2, 6

 That we may always see the wonder of this message and that the smoke that might impede our vision, our understanding, from truly believing, be removed in a windy instant.

Jesus said. “Let these children alone. Don’t get between them and me. These children are the kingdom’s pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” Luke 18:16-17

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First and second photos taken by Eric Watt, pastor of Greenbrier Church
Third and fourth photos taken by the talented Leah Nisbet of Journey Through Life Photography