The Original Royal Baby

 

By Andrea Laser, abp818@gmail.com

Like so much of the nation, I find myself captivated by the excitement around the royal baby.  It’s thrilling: it’s like watching a little bit of history unfold before your eyes.  Today I sat in front the television eager to see the first glance of the king.  Within seconds of the doors opening at the hospital, images flooded the internet of the royal baby’s introduction into the world.  The royal baby was born into immediate expectations, from people placing wagers on his name to his first words.  Naturally the media has compared this baby’s introduction to that of his father’s, Prince William.  It made me think about a royal baby born much earlier: Jesus. 

The world was eagerly awaiting the birth of a savior, but it took on a much different path, during a much different time.  What if Jesus had been born into current time?  Would his hash tag been #holybaby, or #thewaitisover?  Would Jesus use the internet to create a following?  He might have used it, but more than likely his greatest connection would still be face to face with people.

One of Jesus’s greatest gifts was teaching his followers how to accept and love all neighbors: making connections.  He formed the greatest web of connections known to mankind, Christianity.  As a member of the body of Christ, you are not only in a relationship with Christ, but also connected to millions of Christians around the world.

One of the biggest blessings my family has had since becoming members of BUMC is the connection we have made with our small group, First Fridays.  We have made friends through this group that are like family.  We are there for each other to mourn when there is sadness in lives, and to celebrate when there is excitement.  I laugh with them, I cry with them, I ask advice of them, and I always know that they are there for my family whenever we need them. 

God wants us to be connected, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12, NLT). 

In this current state of social media and instantaneous connections, are you still personally connected?  What’s the value for you of face to face friendships?