The Construction of a Man

by Rebecca Irwin

Welcome to Christmas! I write to you from Wednesday, and today, the birthday countdown is nearly over. My oldest son met the waitress in CPK by announcing to her "Tomorrow is my birthday!". Usually, people look at me quizzically to confirm whether this news is true or false for the day he speaks of is Christmas. Joyfully, it is true, he was born at 6:30 Christmas morning and arrived from the nursery in a stocking. Thus, it has been my habit with each passing year to reflect on the birth of our Lord Jesus and Mary's journey as his mother.

Today, my son turns seven. He is keenly interested in building things. He scours for good scraps when we are out and imagines it becoming a boat or plane. When asked what he wants to grow up to be, he says confidently, "a construction site worker". He even says he likes to work hard - and is willing to prove it, given a "job" to do. This year, we thought of a perfect birthday gift for his consistent interest in constructing - his very own set of tools.

I imagine the boy Jesus in his father's carpenter shop demonstrated similar enthusiasm and interest for making useful things. It was probably a great joy for Joseph to have a little apprentice in his shop asking how and why, learning his craft, his trade. It may have grown tiring, a bit exasperating at times, but at this age, he is becoming truly helpful. He has a better understanding of cause and effect. He can fetch a hammer, or clean up the shop floor. He can affirm the choice of a table leg's carving or advise on the color of a wood stain. Joseph might even stand back and be amazed at how quickly this boy is growing, and impressed by his readiness to learn.

Inside their home, Mary may have felt the tension of her little boy becoming a young man. He is no longer hanging on her skirt, no longer underfoot as she does her work. Gladly, he is helpful to her too - setting the table and playing peek-a-boo with his youngest brother. But her apron strings are getting longer. She knows he is truly a special boy, and she resists to protect him as he learns, as he studies, as he grows. Perhaps she even discussed with Joseph a perfect birthday gift - his own set of tools.

May you remember, this day, God's faithfulness to us by coming to earth as a baby boy and living each day as we do. With struggle, with uncertainty, with limitations, with pain and also with celebration, with happiness, with the joy of learning, with community. I am so glad for the verses in Luke 2:51-52 "And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and he continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."

Father, thank you for sending your son to live a very daily life as a boy learning to be a man. Thank you for his understanding of humanity. Thank you for not sending a successful man in his prime who could not sympathize with our weaknesses, but rather giving us a "high priest...who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). And thank you, for the opportunity to grow in wisdom and the knowledge of you. A very happy birthday for us Jesus! Amen.