ENan and I were in California for Thanksgiving this year but the turkey and dressing took a back seat to a larger family celebration. Our oldest granddaughter turned 15 the day before Thanksgiving and she had the spotlight for most of the week.
Our son-in-law is from El Salvador and our granddaughter was born there (giving her dual-citizenship.) In keeping with her Latin heritage, our granddaughter asked if she could have a quinceanera party. A quinceanera is a celebration to mark the passage of a girl becoming a young woman. Her celebration was a wonderful evening of dining and dancing and love.
I asked our grandson if there is a male version of a quinceanera where we would celebrate with him. He said there is not and we both agreed that is totally unfair. I told his parents he should at least get a new car or a trip to Cancun to compensate. They told me to mind my own business.
In Jewish tradition, a boy or girl is recognized as an adult at the age of 12 or 13. At that point they are responsible for their own moral and spiritual decisions. A Jewish father prays at his Bar Mitzvah, “Blessed is He who has taken from me the responsibility for this child.” Those of us who have children, however, know that a parent’s sense of responsibility and concern for your children does not end at 12 or even 15. My children are now in their 40s and ENan and I still carry them in our hearts every day.
I am certain it was no different for Mary and Joseph when they welcomed Jesus into their family. They loved Jesus as any parent does, but they also carried an additional burden of responsibility. Mary had been told, “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35) The angel told Joseph, “You are to give him the name Jesus. Because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) When Jesus was presented in the temple, Simeon and Anna recognized Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption. (Luke 2:25-38)
Every child is precious to God and has a purpose for being in the world. Only one, however, could save us from our sins. His name is Jesus.
That is why we celebrate Christmas!
-Dr. Jim Baldwin
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