Christ said: “Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me.” (Mark 9:37.)

The image of the Christ child has had even more significance this Christmas as I prepare for my own little babe. The thought that Mary had the same “stirrings” within her, that she feared the delivery in the same way, and that she looked forward with the same curiosity and wonder has made the nativity story all the more real to me. The thought that I too am having a boy, and that I have the same responsibility to raise him to be like Mary’s son, Christ, has been humbling. While I won’t see our son until after Christmas, he is very much here with us this Christmas. I’ve already bought little socks for his “stocking.” I find myself wondering what toys he’d like. I wish he could see our beautiful Christmas tree, so he could marvel at the lights and the beautiful red poinsettia. I want to look out the window at the snow with him. I want to cradle him in my arms late at night under the glow of the tree lights and the melodies of holiday carols. I find myself constantly searching for his little feet, head, and bum that so frequently poke out, creating mounds on my stomach. I like to rub them and tell him I love him. It may be difficult for us to act out the nativity this year, as we cannot lay our baby in a manger, but to me this will always be his first Christmas.