“We choose to NOT have children.” I was not completely surprised; I’ve heard it before. In preparing couples for marriage, I raise the issue of children.
With sensitivity I ask, “Why have you made that decision?” I note having talked to lonely seniors who wish they had had children.
As I listen, I may see they have given this much thought. And, being ‘on the same page’ about this is crucial to a healthy marriage.
Some conclude they are just too busy professionally. Others say their personalities are not suitable for raising children; they’d rather be a good aunt and uncle. And, not wanting to be in their fifties raising a teen sounds reasonable to me.
I am particularly intrigued with, “We don’t want to bring a child into THIS WORLD.” I am hearing, “We would not want to put a child through this (!).” That conclusion is based on personal observation and experience. They see and feel HURT – not to be wished on a child.
Some seniors tell me the same thing, “I would not want to be raising a child in THIS WORLD (!).” They observe society as having lost its moral compass. Definitions of right and wrong have changed; this has trickled down to our morality or lack thereof. Absolutes have disappeared; humanity is doing what is “right in his own eyes”. (Judges 21:25)
In a moment technology verifies this. It is global; crime, war, selfishness, greed, and deceit continue like a plague. It is disturbing and overwhelming – creating a sense of hopelessness. The lyrics of Peter and Gordon’s mid-60s song come to mind, “I don’t care what they say, I won’t stay in a world without love.” Tragically, some choose to leave us.
This Sunday begins the Advent season. The traditional Advent wreath symbolizes Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. The message of Christmas is that Jesus came offering these gifts.
“Did you catch that?” Yes, to THIS WORLD (!) Jesus came – into our dark, hopeless, even self-destructing world.
Jesus was intentional – coming “to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1:79) He meets our need for hope, peace, joy, and love.
Simply stated, the Christmas message is that, “God so loved the world [THIS WORLD] that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Encouragement, when times are dark, comes when good news overrides bad news – always. To a people needing hope and peace the angel announced, “Do not be afraid. I bring you GOOD NEWS of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10, 11)
Yes, to THIS WORLD…for ME and YOU Jesus came, offering hope and peace and life. We need to listen; we need to not keep avoiding Him. Will you receive Him as YOUR Saviour? God brings light to this dark world one changed life at a time. He wants to begin with ME, and YOU.
“Are YOU with me?”
Pastor Bill Terris