Child

Gospel Acclamation
 Alleluia, alleluia! 
The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. 
He enabled those who accepted him to become the children of God. 
Alleluia!

Today's Gospel Acclamation is drawn directly from the Gospel it acclaims, John 1:1-18. The last day of 2015 is acclaimed by a reminder of where the year and all it has held has come from...
In the beginning was the Word: and the Word was with God and the Word was God. Jn.1:1
So what does this mean to us who accept this truth? We become children.

We have two granddaughters staying with us at the moment, Anna (4) and Rosie (2). If ever I needed personification of what it means to be children, they are it. When they are happy, you know it. When they are sad, you know it. When they are frightened, you know it and when they are joyful you know it. Their transparency is refreshing. There is no second guessing.

Their world is very "now". Yesterday, if you can remember it, is history. Tomorrow, if you can conceive it, is a mystery. Today is everything and takes all their attention and energy. As a consequence they get a lot out of their day and they sleep solid at night (most nights).

New Year's Eve is upon us. A time for resolutions. For me? May 2016 by the year a child-like me is born anew.

Jesus,  I accept you for who you truly are, the Word made flesh, God among us, Emmanuel. You have made me a child of God. Alleluia.