Parents’ Night

They found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger and made known what had been told them about the child. Mary treasured these words and pondered them in her heart. – Luke 2:16-19 (NRSVUE excerpted) 

Back in the turbulent ’60s, a young woman told some college friends that she’d decided not to have children. She felt it would be immoral to bring a child into an unjust, violent world. They tried dissuading her. They all knew someone who would’ve given anything to conceive but never could. Her decision saddened them, but she was adamant, and they respectfully backed off.  

Of course, she wasn’t alone, then or now. Many people contemplating parenthood wrestle with similar thoughts, for the world is never not mad; the future is always a crapshoot. Deciding to parent, by any method, doesn’t involve only love, timing, and money. It also involves a hard swallow of fear. 

When the shepherds arrive at the stable, they repeat the angelic announcement. It’s not breaking news. Mary’s been pondering an earlier angelic announcement for months. Might there be other things churning in her heart, then, besides the shepherds’ words? 

Maybe she’s asking the same questions other parents ask when they first behold their child: What sort of world have we brought you into? What will become of you here? What have we done? Her angel had told her not to be afraid, but maybe tonight she is. The old carol has it right about Bethlehem: the hopes and fears of all the years meet in it tonight.  

Christmas glows. It also trembles. As you greet the Child, spare a compassionate thought for his trembling parents, too. Pray for all who parent with terror and trust in their pondering, treasuring hearts.  

Prayer
For parents who ask, “What have we done?” we pray. And for us all, who adore at the manger, knowing what we know about life.

About the Author
Mary Luti is a long time seminary educator and pastor, author of Teresa of Avila’s Way and numerous articles, and founding member of The Daughters of Abraham, a national network of interfaith women’s book groups.