Physical contact with infants is crucial for their development. Studies have shown that babies who receive more physical contact from their mothers had a lower response to stress-inducing situations later in life. Another study found that premature babies who received three 15-minute sessions of touch therapy per day for five days showed improved brain activity.
On the other hand, babies who do not receive ample physical and emotional attention are at higher risk for behavioral, emotional, and social problems as they grow up.
Newborns denied physical contact with other humans can actually die from this lack of contact, even when provided with proper nutrition and shelter. (See references below.)
As you can see from the studies referenced above, “touch” is extremely important and powerful. When Jesus was born, those in the area would have received a lot if they had only stopped their business, sought Jesus out, and held him in their arms. Simeon did just that. He waited for the King of Kings to be brought to the temple and presented to the priest.
Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, (Luke 2:28 (NIV)
Then there was the woman who was healed of a twelve-year plague simply because her faith prodded her to “touch” the hem of Jesus’ robe. (Mat. 9:20-22)
In this busy holiday season, if you will stop and seek Jesus out, you will find him. There is nothing like a touch from the Master. There is nothing that can compare to sensing His presence. It will touch your heart. Jesus welcomes you no matter what you have done. It’s interesting that when Jesus died on the cross to forgive us of sin, his arms were wide open. That is a position of acceptance.
- PubMed Central: Temperature Variation in Newborn Babies
- UAB Magazine: Gentle Touch Helps Premature Babies
- Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health: Enhancement of Paternal-Newborn Affectional Bonds
Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady
Remember going to your mother, or father, and asking them to kiss your boo boo? To make it go away? Or do you remember your own child asking you? My son, when he was about one year old, fell on some hard plastic toys, and hurt his bum. He cried as he climbed up on the sofa, laid back holding his legs up in the air and said, “Mommy, kiss my butt.” We know a kiss from a loving parent didn’t do anything, but there is something comforting knowing one who loves you, knows you are hurting.
I got remarried yesterday evening, after being divorced for twenty-three years. I no longer have to check that dreaded little box, “Divorced”. I married a wonderful woman of God who is a Filipino. The only problem is, I’m an American, and she is not allowed to enter the United States without a Visa, which could take a year or longer to arrive. When she said, “I do,” she became an “IR”. Instant Relative. This status gives her priority over everyone else trying to enter America by any other means. Work Visa, Student Visa, Fiancé Visa, etc. It also gives her access to a “Green Card” and two weeks after she arrives in America she will get her Social Security card. Being an “IR” has instant privileges.
There is something powerful about an invitation! Receiving one can strike a number of emotions within us. It all depends on what we are being invited to, and who is giving the invitation.
Be quiet mind,
It happened again. The explosive temper from one I am supposed to love, and I do, but the pain. I left their presence, but I was a “walking wounded”. I kept rewinding the scene and playing it over and over in my mind. Why? This didn’t need to happen. I begin seeking comfort.
brady, mark a. 