Sunday, May 6, 2012
Fifth Sunday of Easter
John 15:4
        Jesus said to those he loved, “Remain in me, as I remain in you.”
This week our kids can sing their joys into the song of Isaiah, “Unto us a child is born, unto us a daughter is given.” Only four days old, Aly Grace Sandel rests already in so many promises. “I have called you by name, and you are mine … I remain in you … I will take you to myself.”
Harmonics spin their way through music inside every note. So nature sings and round us rings when every baby’s born. Spring is so musical! The birds cover their babies while they grow, and we hold our children close. Chris and Melissa’s hearts beat with the love of God. It pours in, and pours out again. All over Aly, all over Jack.
We are loved. Some of the words we might say or hear at these moments of birth: “Welcome to the world. I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve prepared a special place for you to live. I will not leave you, no matter what. You have all the time you need. I’m so glad you’re a girl. In all the world, there has never been another like you.”
John says in his letter, “The way we know that Jesus remains in us is from the Spirit he gave us.” God doesn’t play hide and seek. So we never need to run and hide. Or cover our eyes. Jesus is near. Jesus is close. Jesus holds Aly in his arms. He is singing to her.
Free from fear, we can open our eyes, rejoice, and watch her grow.
In the assembly of your people, Lord, we praise you. All the families of the nations bow down before you. We live in you alone, and we proclaim You to a people just born, and yet to be born. You are the Lord. You are good.  You love us, and so we can love you. (Psalm 22)
 http://twitter.com/#!/MelissaSandel/status/198562910652481536/photo/1
http://christiancounselingservice.com/archived_devotions.php?article_id=1091
