A Father's Blessing

And you, little child,
you shall be called Prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord
to prepare the way for him.
Lk.1:76

Zechariah's canticle includes a prophetic blessing over his newborn son John. Preparing the way during Advent includes the hearts of fathers being turned to their children. Here Zechariah shows what that can look like. 

I grab any occasion I can to speak blessing over my children. Birthdays, graduations, weddings, family gatherings. When these opportunities arise, if I don't seize them they pass, never to be reclaimed. 

I remember on my son's thirteenth birthday, with extended family gathered, I made a "bar mitzvah" type speech with Matthew standing beside me. He initially felt awkward, but I saw his head lift up and chest expand as I spoke of how proud I was of him as he grows into manhood and how wonderful the plans are that God has for him.

A father's blessing is powerful.