Trusting the promise of new life

by Elise Hogan

Here in this season of joyful anticipation, let us learn from the wonder of young children at both the beauty of Christmas and the gift of new life.

Working in a preschool as an expectant mother, I often have wide eyed four year olds walk up to me, put their hands on my belly and in awe beg, “is she still in there?” or “what is she doing?” They are so taken by the mystery and gift of life, I cannot help but be moved by their fascination and curiosity. Although these little ones understand so little about pregnancy and were told one time why my belly was growing so round, they have trusted in the promise that life is abounding within me. They are so receptive to the goodness of this new life and are so excited by the reality of this mostly hidden beauty. Like a package under the Christmas tree, they gravitate toward her, they just cannot help but reach out for her (putting their little hands on my belly), and they cannot help but ask about what’s transpiring inside and ahead.

May the Lord inspire wonder within us at the gift of Himself this Christmas. May we whole heartedly trust in the Lord’s promise of giving Himself to and for us. And in prayer, may we be brought to the side of His mother, Mary, where we might sit in His Presence, in awe of the mystery of the incarnation.

// Elise Hogan, Parishioner