Friends of ours in the USA had a frightening experience several months ago when the wife awoke in the middle of the night gasping for air.  It was serious enough that her husband called the ambulance.  In the hospital, they found fluid on her lungs and initially suspected pneumonia.  Within a couple of days that diagnosis was changed to something much more frightening: congestive heart failure.

Sarah (not her real name) had rheumatic fever in her childhood, then had a heart valve replaced a few years ago.  Now that new heart valve and one other were not functioning properly.  The surgeons discovered calcification on the valves and said that made surgery far too risky.

The future looked bleak, then someone told them of a surgeon in another state who might be able to help them.  They travelled to the location of the top cardiology hospital in the USA to see this surgeon for evaluation.  After many tests, he told them he felt he could help Sarah.  He described the surgery: they would lower her body temperature, stop her heart for ten minutes, replace part of the aorta, clean the calcification and replace the two heart valves.  The operation would take five to six hours, there was a risk but the surgeon did not feel it was extreme.

They went home, talked to their children, to members of their church, and most of all talked to God.  They decided to go ahead.

Two weeks ago today, they had signed the consent forms and were waiting for the surgery early the next morning, but there was still time to back out.  Once again, Sarah looked death in the face, knowing there was a possibility she would never wake up from the anaesthetic, and decided she was ready to meet the Lord if that would happen.

The surgery took place the next day.  It was successful and now they are back home where Sarah is slowly regaining her strength.

I see the true significance of the birth of the Saviour in the fact that Sarah could face this major invasive surgery in peace, knowing that even if she did not survive, it would be well with her soul.

The manner of Jesus’ birth in such humble circumstances in Bethlehem is worthy of remembrance and celebration.  But that was only the beginning.  The purpose of His birth is what makes it so significant for all mankind today.