Gift of Children (1 Sam 1:27-28) by Kevin McNicholas

22 Dec Gift of Children (1 Sam 1:27-28) by Kevin McNicholas

“I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request.  Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.” ~ 1 Sam 1:27-28 (full readings)
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Kevin’s Reflections:  This verse reminds me to be especially grateful for our own children, as we struggled with infertility for the first 6 years of our marriage.  God, through Dr. Brian Gosser and the prayers of many, blessed us with two miracles.  I am really humbled every time I stop and think of the fact that even though I am a sinner, in God’s infathomable mercy, He blessed us with these two awesome babies!  Hannah had great Faith to bring her son Samuel back to the temple and consecrate him to God.  The Holy Mother had great Faith to say “yes” to God and give birth to His Son, dedicating His life and death to God for our redemption.  Isn’t that all of our destiny, to be “dedicated to the Lord” in that we are called to follow Him with our whole hearts?  In our daily lives, Laura and I are called to live the Faith for our children and those around us.  This is how we fulfill what Hannah spoke of, dedicating our children, our families, and our very lives to the Lord.  When Ellie or Jeremiah cries, I often think that I would rather be holding a crying baby than no baby at all.  So it goes with the pro-life community:  through our prayers and work there are more babies in this world, safe from abortion.  This means there are more babies who are adoptable for families who are wishing to be parents.  Christmas is on Thursday:  the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Child Jesus, have mercy on us!  Holy Family, hear our prayers!
* Kevin is a School Social Worker in Southern Illinois.  He and his wife Laura have been blessed with two living miracles:  a 2 year old daughter named Elliana (“the Lord Answers”) and a 8 month old son named Jeremiah (“God is Exalted”).  They have been blessed during the 8 years of their marriage to travel to Catholic pilgrimage sites worldwide, as well as to serve their Parish and community..

Faith Challenge:  Pray specifically to the Holy Mother today for mothers considering abortion to experience her Motherly blessing and her Son’s Love.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel..
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Our Prayers: Pray LIFE Runners Creed to End Abortion.  Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day:  Saint Chaeromon
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Faith Quote:  “For nothing will be impossible for God.” ~ Luke 1:37
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Through Christ our Lord,
Kevin McNicholas
Lk 1:37