It’s okay, Brian knows. Last Wednesday morning as our American neighbours were getting ready for their Fourth of July celebrations a little man was born into the world.

I had the privilege of being present at the labour and delivery of little Jackson, the son of a lovely young couple that many at Amberlea know and love. The labour was not nearly as eventful or even as extraordinary as the moment this little one arrived.

Relief, excitement, wonder and awe filled the room as we watched this little life enter the world. His first cry broke through the sounds of pushing and words of encouragement to the hard working mom. It was breathtaking.

He was finally here and he was perfect.

Our great God, who created majestic mountains, vast plains, endless oceans and sweeping deserts knit that precious baby together in secret. He planned the placement of each birthmark, took careful count of each hair that would be on his head, and crafted just the right shade of brown for those sweet and sleepy eyes.

God created, and it was good. It is good.

I love the verse from Jeremiah 1:5:

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (NIV)

And this from Psalm 139:13-16:

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (NIV)

As I watched this young couple hold their little one, I could not help but see and feel the love and joy that exuded from their very beings. Their love for their child already so deep and true was, for me, a glimpse of the love God has for us.

God’s love for each of us is all-consuming. Never-ending. Unconditional. Lavished-upon. We are celebrated. Sung over. Rejoiced in. Adored. God’s love never fails.

We are the children of God.