By Fr Peter Michael Scott
I am getting used to baptisms. Having been away from parish life working in a hospice, I am out of practice presiding at services other than Mass and funerals. Thankfully, East Finchley has lots of young families, so baptisms are frequent and rather lovely too.
Recently at the baptism of a baby girl, I was told that the little child was the first of a new generation and the family all had to change names. Brothers and sisters became aunts and uncles, mums and dads became grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles became great aunts and great uncles and Ruth and David became a mum and dad. These name changes were automatic, free of charge and welcome.
The birth of a child has that capacity to change us, not just in name, but making us take on new responsibilities. We inadvertently become more protective and our hearts are softened so that we can love and nurture the little person who presents themselves as vulnerable and needy. Often the birth of a child will open our eyes to see how wonderful we actually are. A baby can enable us to see ourselves as God does, as educators, healers, protectors, forgivers and life givers.
Soon we will celebrate the birth of another child, ordinary in the sense He is fully human, extraordinary in being totally divine. This child is God’s only son, born of Mary and Joseph. This child will change us, but unlike any other He will wondrously catapult us into a relationship with God where we acknowledge that we are His children, and that He wants to educate, heal, protect, forgive, and open up for us eternal life.
We are all made in God’s image, so it should be no surprise that our good parental capacities are inherited from Him. Christmas is about letting God nurture and love us and to delight in that. So put away doubt or fear, and as a child rests in its parent’s arms, let God enfold you in love.
Please pray for all those who work or volunteer in your parish.
