Rob Harris is a senior in the M.Div. program from the Diocese of West Texas.
‘Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.’ (Matthew 18:4-5 NRSV)
The greatest moments in my life have been defined around moments where life suddenly and dramatically breaks in from darkness, from the womb which bears it. My own journey, as a son adopted at birth, is a love note left by my birth mother which read, “I love you. You are mine. Always remember my love.” I was welcomed.
I have now welcomed three children of my own into the world. The birth of each has shown me what a treasure life is…it is such a beautiful and marvelous thing. It is something to be welcomed. It is something to be embraced. It is something to be swaddled and held close and gently kissed. As each of my children broke forth from the darkness of the womb into my arms, I knew I was embracing the holy…the innocent. I was in fact, embracing Jesus.
As I have reflected on these moments and as I have gazed into those childish eyes of curiosity, wonder, and unrestrained joy. I have begun, more and more, what it means to welcome Christ. I am not the creator of life, I am not the sustainer of life. But I am called to be one who humbly and gratefully celebrates life. For in such an act we are welcoming Christ, the giver of life.
