Reflections on . . Luke 2:15-19: Letting go

I came unglued at the airport today. Our oldest son was leaving for his second semester of Bible school. When Daniel left in September, I was fine at the airport. I think that's because I had prepared at home, days earlier. But this was Christmas, with the usual rush of things such as trimming the tree, baking gingerbread stables with our youngest son and sending out cards to family and friends.

While we were at the airport waiting, I slipped away to buy film for those all-important photos of our eldest son's journey into his future. I couldn't help but notice other parents who were hugging their children with tears of parting, and that's when mine began.

My mind cannot begin to fathom the emotions that Mary had after the birth of her son Jesus. Her baby was the Son of God! He would reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom would never end. We are told in Luke 2:19 that she treasured the things that were happening and pondered them in her heart. The depth of her pondering I cannot begin to grasp. Because our Lord God came to earth as a man, Mary was faced with the awesome task of caring for Him in His infant form. He would need to be nourished and nurtured until it would be time for Him to leave her side and follow the will of His Father.

Our son Daniel is off to Bible school on the other side of the country, learning things of God that will prepare him for his adult life. My tears weren't tears of sorrow. They were tears of joy for his future and his love of God. They were tears of letting go of my son.

This Reflectioin is by Kathleen Beth Neufeld, a member of South Park MB Church in Altona, Man.

Return to the M.B.Herald Vol. 37, No. 23 Home Page