My grandson’s picture is in the latest alumni magazine from the high school my two sons attended. I enjoyed discovering the picture and the brief report in the class-by-class listings of accomplishments. I am proud of both sons. They live in distant cities from us parents and from each other, and we do our best to keep in touch — by visits and phone calls and Internet connections. What brings these thoughts to mind is the current Advent season, and the changing nature of our extended family. My wife and I spent our Thanksgiving Day at her sister’s home. We will go to one son’s home in Boston for Christmas, and visit his brother early in the new year. We aren’t waiting for anyone to come to our house. We are going to the homes of others. In previous years, I have thought about Advent from various points of view. As a child, I eagerly awaited Christmas and the presents and pleasure of the celebration. As a Christian adult, I pondered Advent as an occasion to make preparations (long-term preparations I hope!) for the coming of the Lord at the end of my time. As a member of society, I have seen Advent too as an occasion for working to bring the Lord of Peace and Justice into a world that is at war, a world where God’s children are treated unjustly. I know it is foolish to project my own human emotions onto the one we call God the Father, but I can’t help but wonder at this time of the year about the God who sent his son Jesus to a world that needed redemption. Every time I have read or heard the scriptural account of a voice coming from heaven, saying of Jesus at his baptism, that “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased” – I always thought of that from the viewpoint of the son. This year, I started to wonder about the event from the viewpoint of the father. Adam and Eve sinned by thinking they could be like God, but Jesus came to be one of us so that we could be partakers in the divine nature. So it must be OK to try to ponder how the Father was pleased with his Son. And we know from scripture and tradition that Jesus accomplished our redemption not only for love of us but also because it was the will of his father.
* * * In these times when the physiological processes of bringing a baby into the world are so complicated, in a world of surrogates and donors, Petri dishes and laboratories and uncertain roles, Advent may be a good time to think about the importance of being a father or a mother, time to reflect not only on being a child of God but also on being one who collaborates with God in bringing sons and daughters into the world.
* * * The second chapter of Luke’s Gospel tells us about the heavenly host proclaiming good news of great joy and saying “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” And later, that the child Jesus “grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.” How does a human father today show favor to a child – at birth and throughout growth?
* * * Take the time to observe Advent. It is a time to relish preparation, to key into the joys and the challenges of waiting for the one who is to come. Perhaps, too, it is a time to help others who are trying to guide a child in a world of uncertainty. Take the time to support mothers and fathers in their responsibilities – especially fathers who are more and more absent from so many homes. The National Fatherhood Initiative (at www.fatherhood.org) is one source of ideas and programs “to help the dads in your community with the skills they need to be involved, responsible, and committed fathers.”
Send your comments about "Taking Time to Make a Difference" to . Contact about subscribing for your newspaper.
Back to Taking Time to Make a Difference Index