Messy and Miraculous: How Jesus’ Birth Brings Encouragement to Moms

“THE CREATION OF MAN - Birth Undisturbed” by Natalie Lennard, © Natalie Lennard. Used with permission.

I can’t help but find myself in awe as I think about the miracle of Jesus’ birth. There’s something about this story that feels so personal, so timeless. Whether you’re preparing for your own birth, reflecting on the ones you’ve experienced, or dreaming about the possibility of becoming a mom someday, the birth of Jesus speaks directly to our hearts.

It’s a story of humility, hope, and unimaginable love—a story that leads us to worship the God who left heaven to meet us right in our mess.

There’s a lyric from the song Glorious by We The Kingdom that moves me to tears every time I hear it:
“The lungs that cried out through the stable walls,
Were the ones who cried, ‘It is finished,’ once and for all.”

Doesn’t that just stop you in your tracks? It’s breathtaking to think about the journey of Jesus, from His first cry as a newborn to His final cry on the cross. This is the beauty of Christmas: this precious baby was born to die.

A Humble Beginning

Let’s picture it for a moment: Mary, young and heavily pregnant, makes a long and exhausting journey to Bethlehem with Joseph. When they arrive, there’s no room for them at the inn, so they settle in a stable. And there, in less than ideal conditions, Jesus is born.

It wasn’t glamorous, it was in fact a mess. The Savior of the world made His entrance into humanity in the most humble way imaginable.

I think about Mary in that moment—her strength, her surrender, and the mix of emotions she must have felt. She wasn’t just delivering her firstborn son; she was delivering the Son of God. Can you imagine the weight of that? And yet, God chose her, an ordinary woman, to do something extraordinary.

It’s a beautiful reminder that God meets us in the messiness of life. He works through humble beginnings and ordinary people to bring about His greatest plans.

The Sacredness of Birth

As a birth doula, I’m constantly in awe of the way God designed birth. It’s such a powerful, sacred moment—an incredible mix of strength, surrender, and new life.

When I think about Mary laboring to bring Jesus into the world, it reminds me that God chose to fully enter into the human experience. Jesus, the King of kings, didn’t bypass the pain or vulnerability of being born. He came into the world the same way we all did, through a mother’s labor and love.

If you’re preparing for birth right now, take heart. The God who was with Mary in that stable is with you, too. He knows your fears, your hopes, and your prayers for your child. And just like He was faithful to Mary, He will be faithful to you.

And for those of us who have experienced birth—whether joyful, challenging, or somewhere in between—Jesus’ birth reminds us that God can bring beauty and redemption from every part of our story.

Hope for Every Woman

Here’s what I love about the story of Jesus’ birth: it speaks to all of us, no matter where we are in life.

Maybe you’re a first-time mom, full of excitement and nerves as you prepare to meet your baby. Or maybe you’re in the thick of motherhood, juggling the chaos of little ones and wondering if you’re doing things right.

Maybe you’ve experienced loss or unmet expectations on your journey to motherhood, and this season feels heavy. Or maybe you’re waiting, dreaming of the day you’ll get to carry and hold a baby of your own.

Wherever you are, the message of Christmas is for you. Jesus came to bring hope to every heart. His birth is a reminder that God is with us in every moment—our joy, our pain, and our waiting.

From the Manger to the Cross

Here’s the part that gets me every time: Jesus didn’t stay in the manger. The baby Mary held in her arms would grow up to carry the weight of the world’s sin on His shoulders.

Those little lungs that cried out in the stable would one day cry, “It is finished,” as He completed His mission on the cross.

This is the miracle of Christmas. Jesus came to us in the most humble way, lived a perfect life, and gave Himself as the ultimate sacrifice—all so we could be redeemed and restored to God.

It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of the season, but when we pause to really reflect on this truth, it changes everything. Christmas isn’t just a celebration of Jesus’ birth; it’s a celebration of the hope and salvation He brought to the world.

An Invitation to Worship

As we celebrate Christmas, I want to invite you to take a moment to sit in the wonder of it all. Picture Mary holding Jesus for the first time, the shepherds running to see the Savior, and the angels filling the sky with praise.

And then let that lead you to worship.

Because the baby in the manger isn’t just a sweet story for the holidays. He’s Emmanuel—God with us. He’s the Savior who loves you, who sees you, and who came to give you life to the fullest.

Merry Christmas, beloved. May the wonder of Jesus’ birth draw you closer to Him this season and always.