Birth at the centre of the universe

In the lead-up to Christmas, birth gets something of a moment in the spotlight. As we hang decorations and perform nativity plays, we gesture towards the beauty of a particular birth. While the manger, animal shed, angels and astrologers all make for a great story, the truly unique aspect of this birth is who was born. God entered fully into human life through birth. We marvel that Jesus came into this world in the very same way that we did: through water and blood by the strength of his mother Mary’s body.

Further from the realms of tinsel and cuddly baby animals, birth often gets a pretty bad wrap. It is unpredictable, painful and messy, as indeed it would have been for Mary and Joseph in a stable far from their home and community. Our own experiences of birth as a mother, father or support person shape our perspective. Looking back at your child’s birth might send a shudder down your spine or draw a deep sigh of relief that it’s behind you. On the other hand, when birth has been a really positive experience, you may still feel the need to keep that to yourself for the sake of those around you. 

Yet, however it comes about, birth holds a profound significance—in the Bible, our lives and indeed the universe—that is often overlooked. 

The God of birth

Birth is not only how Jesus entered into our world, but why. Jesus taught, healed, suffered, died and rose to life again as part of his ultimate purpose: to give us birth. He told Nicodemus, ‘Very truly I tell you, no-one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, “You must be born again”’ (John 3:5–7). Jesus was born to give us new birth.

Jesus’ whole life on earth was leading towards giving us new life. His ‘labour’ began with the great adversity he faced during his teaching ministry, ultimately taking him to the travail of the cross. At the very end, a spear pierced his side and out flowed water and blood, in much the same way as when we give birth (John 19:34). This painful labour gave us ‘new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead’ (1 Peter 1:3). 

The Apostle John later reflects in his letter, ‘there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement’ (1 John 5:7–8). These three elements of Jesus’ life-giving work testify to the God of birth, that he ‘has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son’ (1 John 5:11). New birth is the goal of Jesus’ work, the centre of God’s plan for us and indeed all creation (Romans 8:22). This great significance should impact the way that we see birth, in terms of our own experiences and in the lives of others.

Birth for us

When we are becoming parents, birth almost inevitably becomes the centre of our lives for a time. We think about it, prepare for it and are bombarded by different emotions in anticipation. After this intense experience, there’s a recovery and a shift in our identity and role. Most of us then largely leave birth behind us, or at least until the next time!

While there may be aspects of our own birth experiences that we seek to move on from, that doesn’t mean that we should lock it completely away. Birth is not of fleeting relevance. It is the essence of the new life we enjoy as God’s children: the joy of a fresh start and hope of what lies ahead. There are many insights we can continue to draw from our own experiences.

The birth of our children is undoubtably hard, however it comes about. This is true for those accompanying as well as the one giving birth. Birth involves a loss of control, uncertainty and the aching of our body, mind and heart. We give our children birth into a life that is limited, through a very costly process. Yet in this very reality, birth holds great power. Our understanding of birth ought not be diminished by its hardship. The impact, wonder and beauty of birth lie in its challenges, rather than in spite of them. 

Our experiences of birth point towards its bigger picture and offer a fresh taste of what God went through for us. Birth is the beginning of our willingness to make space for our children, to open ourselves up to them and even pour ourselves out for them. As women, we bear scars on our bodies on behalf of our children. Birth is the momentous beginning and pattern for parental love. It is a gradual giving of life while simultaneously separating our child from ourselves, a movement from full provision to support from beside. Birth does hurt but that doesn’t make it any less worthwhile. Birth points us to God’s costly love for us, his children.

Birth is much more than just a means to an end. The act of giving life through birth reflects something of God’s very character and work in the world. Sharing in this life-giving work in any way is a great privilege. Our experiences of birth give us insight into what it meant for Jesus to give us new birth through water and blood. 

Birth is at the centre of God's plans for the universe and we get to play a little part.

**Look out for Jodie's book, Bringing forth life: God's purposes in pregnancy and birth, which will be available from Youthworks Media from early 2023.**
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Jodie McIver is a registered midwife and a graduate of Moore Theological College. Jodie is married to Tim; they are in ministry at Blackheath Anglican Church and are the parents of three lively children. Jodie’s book ‘Bringing forth life: God’s purposes in pregnancy and birth’ is being published by Growing Faith in early 2023. It brings together her love of theology, relationships and the human body. 
 

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