If the Babe had Stayed a Babe

It's still close enough to Christmas to read a Christmas poem! So, here goes!

If the Babe had stayed a babe,
where would we be today?
If He had never grown
to be a fruitful man;
To bear our sin according
to the Father's Plan?
We'd be lost, without a shred of Hope
to lift us from the mire
of guilt and shame.
If the Babe had stayed a babe.

When you and I are born
into the Kingdom
with new Life from above,
We are babes in Christ
with room to grow and love.
Our spirits must be nourished.
First with milk and then with meat
from God's own Holy Word.
We read it and apply it,
or we'll be left as babes,
Whining and complaining
when we don't get our way.

As sure as there is life,
there will be places
rough to tread
And burdens heavy
to be borne.

Only those mature in faith,
fully trusting in the Lord,
can weather all the storms.
Let's look beyond the manger;
celebrate the empty tomb...
welcome Holy Spirit
To empower and sustain.

A baby is a precious sight--
a wonder to behold.
We're glad to feed and carry it
for a year or so.
Our Father up in Heaven
does the same for us;
never wearies of our calls
Nor flees when we entreat.

But family and friends
would just as soon
see us grow up!

Written by my dear friend Betty Henry Taylor