The story of Christmas for these 12 days is the gift of the Christ Child and how he transforms life. It seems so unbelievable that even Putin would forget his own humanity in blocking countless adoptions to the USA as a matter of politics. Something greater is on the table. Oh, of course, there is the fact that 6 of about 60,0000 adoptions (figure that percentage!) have ended in abuse and fatality. Nobody glosses over that horror. But what is the difference in blocking orphaned children from even taking that risk? Which is the greater abuse?
Compare these pictures... Perhaps unfair because nobody told Putin to smile for the camera. But nevertheless, there is something in children that disarms and opens us up--precisely what is missing in international affairs. No wonder Isaiah declared that "a little child shall lead them" and for Jesus, "the first shall be last and the last first in the Kingdom of God."
Maybe that is the message for the 12 Days of Christmas. We are given the Christ Child so that we can become more child-like...."for of such belongs the Kingdom of Heaven." In what ways can we continue to be open and giving this Christmas season?
Given the Child for us to become childlike....
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