As we celebrate Christmas, let us not forget that at the very center lies a baby – our Savior, Redeemer, and Friend. Jesus’ birth brought hope to a waiting world and promises of everlasting peace. Isaiah 9:6-7 beautifully says,
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.”
Children and families lie at the heart of the Gospel and our advocacy. Around the nation, hundreds of Christian pregnancy resource centers aim to help women experience this hope and peace, both in their pregnancy and eternally through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Throughout my time in college, I have loved building a relationship with our local pregnancy resource center, whether from my own visits, Young Women for America chapter events, or Love Life prayer walks. Each time, I have been encouraged by the love these women have for both moms and babies, demonstrated through their kindness, care, and intentionality. From the ultrasound technicians and counselors to donation sorters and administrative staff, the joy of the Lord shines through each person, inviting women to experience this same joy in their own lives. No matter their circumstances or status, each woman is welcomed and seen as God sees her– unique, made in His image, and valued. Not just a client or a number, each mom is treated with dignity.
Some of the most impactful care given to these women comes via a free ultrasound. During an ultrasound, technicians take extra care to ensure that the woman feels safe and respected. In one ultrasound I had the privilege to observe, the woman had experienced a previous miscarriage and other difficult circumstances. As she saw her baby move and sleep in the same position she does, a flood of emotions came—peace and relief that her baby was healthy, and hope for the future she was looking forward to as a mom. The joy of seeing her baby living and moving on the ultrasound gave her confidence. Once the ultrasound was finished, the mom reminded the sonographer of her desire to take the technician up on the offer of joining her for church.
Pro-life pregnancy centers exist to bring hope and help to all mothers, regardless of their life situation. God has done this and abundantly more for us through Christ. As we dwell in the peace that Christ’s coming brought many years ago, let us prayerfully consider how we can be vessels of this same peace to those in crisis pregnancies, longing for a hope that is beyond this broken world.
It’s likely there is a local pregnancy resource center in your area. This Christmas, consider how you can support work that promotes life and flourishing by giving your time, talent, and fervent prayers.
Hannah Joyal is a Young Women for America Ambassador in California.
