"Yes, you don't belong to me," she cooed at the infant. "You are a gift from God on loan and someday you will return to Him. You are not mine," the new mother of three smiled at the infant who laid across her lap and the two toddlers who sat at the kitchen table. Maybe it was the grace and gift of adoption that gave her such clarity.
Upon meeting a dear friend's mother, I had thanked her and her husband for sharing their daughter with all those she blessed through her life as a religious sister. "You know when we left last time I spent a lot of time thinking about your comment. After some time, I realized she was never mine to give. She belongs to God," her mom remarked. I realized the understanding of gift is an integral element to parenthood. Moreover, it is an essential component in the life of a believer.
As we approach the cradle, how have you prepared to receive the gift of Christ more fully this Christmas? Despair not, kids! We still have half of Advent to go. There is time to make room. There is an opportunity to wait with joyful hope. May we kneel at the manger this Christmas with joyful humility and boundless trust. Trusting the gift of Christ will satisfy the longings of our hearts. May you know the gift He is and the gift you are, made in His image and likeness, an unrepeatable miracle. Holy Spirit, guide us, shining bright.
Fiat mihi,
K. Coop
Venite! Venite! In Bethlehem
That mourns in lovely exile here until the Son of God appear
REJOICE! REJOICE! EMMANUEl. Shall come to thee O, Israel.
There is just one thing I need
All I want for Christmas is You
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