I have become a grand-uncle! My niece, my sister’s daughter, Amanda Maurer, has adopted a little girl whom she has cared for since the baby was four days old. So my family has formally and officially welcomed Rebecca Justice Maurer, “Becca” to our clan. She is named for my sister Rebecca Lynn who died at the age of three. It was truly a wonderful family experience to be present for the court hearing on Tuesday, December 14, 2010. At 9:15 a.m., the Magistrate made the formal declaration. Becca was in good form delighting in little gifts presented on the occasion. I think we surprised the lawyer, the magistrate, and the adoption case worker with the support that was offered by all who were there – Becca’s new grandparents, great grandparents, uncle and grand uncles, all sitting quietly in the back of the room as Amanda and the Case worker answered the lawyer’s and the magistrates questions. We all clapped as the decree was made and the new family relationship was legally formed for all time.
It was truly interesting to hear the questions concerning the acceptance of the child “as she is” into a relationship of belonging and responsibility. All who have become parents know that there are always unexpected challenges. The assent which our parents have made on our behalf is a gift, whether we are born into our families or we have been brought into them by civil actions and social conventions.
As you have heard me say before – family is what it’s all about. We are all adopted into God’s family, brothers and sisters to Jesus, the Father’s only-begotten Son. As we celebrate the Gift of the Incarnation, let us open our hearts to Christ and to all His family. May Christmas free us to belong to our God and to one another!
We welcome all our guests and friends who come to be with us for the Christmas holidays. Be sure to invite all who come to see you to visit St. Timothy Church too. One of our best gifts is the gift of being a welcoming community. Let’s live up to our claim to fame!
The Year of Prayer: Advent IV Collect
Pour forth thy power, O Lord, and come:
Assist us by that mighty power,
so that by thy grace and merciful kindness
we may swiftly receive the salvation that our sins impede:
Who livest and reignest with thee
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
ever one God, world without end. Amen.
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