December 2007
‘Tis the season of gifts, bestowed and received. The gospels of Luke and Matthew both proclaim, “For unto her a child is born.” This heartwarming story touches all of humankind. Sophia Lyon Fahs, the first Unitarian Universalist (actually she was Unitarian) to be credentialed both as parish minister and minister of religious education, wrote: Yet each night a child is born is a holy night, Fathers and mothers --- sititng besides their children’s cribs feel glory in the sight of a new life beginnng. ...Each night a child is born is a holy night -- a time for singing, a time for wondering, a time for worshipping.
Just three months ago a child has come into my life. Between Ellie and me, Madison Anne Duhamel is the tenth grandchild. What is wonderful is that she lives close enough to where we live that we get to hold her in our arms on a regular basis. You know of course that she is magnificent. She is just old enough to be responsive and smiling. She reminds me of her father and the times I held him tiny and dependent in my arms. He survived childhood and adolescence despite my fumblings at parenthood and he has become an exceptionally fine man. I hope and pray that Madison survives childhood and adolescence and becomes an exceptionally fine woman.
Like all the children who have come before her she will have crosses to bear. But if she has faith to sustain her and the assurance that she is loved come what may the odds favor her. She will be loved, she is loved. May the children in your lives offer you the hope of redemption, for every child is a redeemer.
When I hold this tiny expression of human love my heart hears choirs of angels sing. If you are a grandparent you know what I’m talking about; if you are a parent you know what I’m talking about.
“Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” Luke 1:42
“For so the children come and so they have been coming. Always in the same way they come born of the seed of man and woman.” (Sophia Lyon Fahs)
Miracles abound and bless our lives and leave us full of grace.
Season’s greetings. Season’s blessings.
Amitiés and love,
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