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December 24, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Five of my close friends are eagerly anticipating the arrival of new little ones – in January. Yes, all five of these ladies are due at the end of next month. I also have several other friends, more than I can count with two hands, that are expecting with due dates scattered throughout the New Year.

For most of these expecting mothers, this is their first child and therefore their first Christmas as a family. As they wake up on the morning of December 25 and sit next to the tree to open presents, they are peacefully and perfectly content with the gift sitting comfortably in their wombs.

Because I don’t have children of my own, I oftentimes wonder what my dear friends are thinking as they await the arrival of their babies. I imagine it’s similar to how we all feel during the time of Advent.

As all of us anticipate the arrival of Our Savior, the Infant Jesus, we prepare our homes by trimming the tree, surrounding our home with lights, lighting the Advent candles, and setting up the nativity scene. All of the customs in which we joyfully participate are done in order to make room for Christ in our homes and hearts.

Similar to how we prepare the way for Christ, expecting mothers are making room in their homes and hearts for their newborn children. They make sure their babies will be warm with new blankets, they purchase the appropriate clothing, and they set up the crib in the nursery. Such preparation is done in excitement and eager anticipation, just as it is for the coming of Our Lord.

And when the child arrives, the parents are thrilled to introduce a new and beautiful miracle to the world. The child is received with joy and love, precisely how the world receives Christ on Christmas morning. At the moment a child is born, time stands still, and the world experiences a miracle, symbolized by the purity and simplicity of a tiny, outstretched hand reaching for someone to welcome him.

This Christmas, I will pray for all expecting mothers, especially my good friends, as they prepare their homes for their little miracles. I pray that God continues to shower them with blessings this Christmas and throughout the New Year. Congratulations and may God bless you all.