Our three children were born on Super Bowl Sunday, Ash Wednesday, and the day before Ascension Day (honestly, Kathy did not want to wait one more day for the last one). Now we have a Palm Sunday grandchild.
Jillian Jo's parents called us early on Sunday morning to announce the news--news which was a bit unexpected since her due date was Good Friday. (Side note--Palm Sunday is a far better day to be born than Good Friday. Good job, Jillian.) The Rochester grandparents could hardly constrain themselves to get to a Twin Cities hospital to see this new little life.
But there were some delays. First were the gatherings of hundreds of people in two worship services who would literally sing hosannas to the Son of David. Palms were raised and waved. But there were two people whose minds might have been elsewhere, wanting to welcome a new daughter of God.
Another delay. We were hosting the annual Palm Sunday family gathering. The extended family is too involved in many churches to break away on Easter, so we gather a week early at our home--this year about twenty of us. The food and conversation were marvelous. But there were two whose minds might have been elsewhere.
Finally, we turned our backs on our guests and told them to shut the door on their way out--we were going to meet a new granddaughter!
There is no gift in this world like the gift of a new life. Lungs breathe life-giving oxygen. Hearts pump the life to all parts of a new body. A little finger moves reflexively, if not by will. Creation is amazing.
There is one gift nearly like new life. That is new life in Christ, celebrated around the world in a few days. Jillian Jo may live to be 100 years old--or more, with improving health care. But there will be a certain end, at least on this earth. Then that life promised by God in Christ bears full fruit.
I can see palms waving in heaven the day Jillian Jo arrives. And I can imagine that God will be even more welcoming and proud than a grandfather. Hosanna!
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