Our new grandson was born a few weeks ago and christened William Albert, named after both his grandfathers. Every week his little face changes and draws such attention from everyone in the family. When he was born, the resemblance to his father was striking. Now he looks like his mother's Dad.
William's birth was a long time coming, conceived after five trying years of countless "almosts" and tests and then finally . . . the invitro that secured his place in the world of the living! Such longing, waiting . . . hoping for this child to be born and at every stage in utero another concern to address: my daughter's blood disease, her asthma, two painful needles every day stuck in her belly. Yet, little Will continued to thrive and grow within my daughter's womb, and each sonogram painted a promise . . . this child is perfect.
At his Christening, the tender words of Deacon Pat fell like the baptismal waters upon his tiny head, as he anointed William with holy oil and claimed him for Christ. This sleepy Babe, adorned in white, the scent of newborn clinging still, was slowly roused by loving sighs of all who watched and smiled at him.
I began to hear an ancient echo in my heart, "What child is this?"
He is his parents' child, yet he belongs to all of us who promised to be a caring part of his life. He is of our clan, one of us. Our heritage, our stories, our memories and hope are all within his every cell. He is our future. William Albert is the new life in our family . . . full of wonder and possibility.
And I felt for one small moment what those who came to the Stable one night long ago must have felt as they gazed upon that Newborn Babe in wonder. "What child is this . . . so filled with light? What child is this . . . who brings such joy, such hope?"
I know now for certain that each new child born into this world brings a promise and a blessing for mankind . . . and it rings through the universe. . God still believes in us!
Joanne Cucinello 2008
