On December 23, 2017, at a hospital in Australia, our grandson, Raphael, made his appearance. He entered the world, eyes open, ready to see what life had to offer. Before his arrival, I baked cookies with our granddaughter, Eliana, hunted for tigers at a nearby park, and read with her until she fell asleep. My love and gratitude for my family runs deep.
Birth is bloody, painful, and glorious. I witnessed the tenderness of my son, Spencer, as he helped his wife, Meesha, through childbirth. I was awed by the almost superhuman strength Meesha displayed as discomfort grew with Raphael’s impending birth. I fetched snacks, took photos, and stayed out of everyone’s way. I was grateful to have been invited to witness the birth and I didn’t want anyone to regret that choice.
After Raphie was born I left the hospital with my daughter-in-love’s mother, Marian. It seems like there should be a word for that relational connection. We share a love for the same incredible children and grandchildren. As she dropped me off at the Air BnB I remember taking in the night sky, thinking of Christmas, and the gift that was born that night.
After filling my husband in on all the details, I drifted off to sleep with the words, “Baby, you’re all I need” echoing through my head. The next morning I woke up humming a tune. A Christmas love song was forming in my thoughts. “Love was born that silent night” was on repeat in my heart. So much love went into that first Christmas night over 2000 years ago. This fourth week of advent is about love. On the night Love was born it most likely wasn’t silent, but most definitely it was also a bloody, pain-filled, glorious event. A husband tended to his new bride, a young woman, as she gave birth to the Love humanity so desperately needed. A Father looked on from heaven, pleased with it all.
May you enjoy your Christmas celebration with your loved ones and friends. And may this song I wrote and the photos of my family bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart!
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