Emmanuel Revisited

This is rather late. But I have to share this in the light of the recent celebrations and the joy that continues to overflow in my heart.

You see, in the morning of December 5, exactly five days before the birthday of Jesus Christ, God has seen it fit to send me my very own Emmanuel. On that cold Saturday morning, a cute little baby boy came into our lives. We have since named him Mark Emmanuel in honor of the Word made flesh.

I know a lot of you already know this. Still, for those who do not, Emmanuel literally means "God is with us". It was a most appropriate name for someone completely divine who came into the world more than 2,000 years ago and actually dwelt among us. Thus, giving true significance to the meaning of His name.

I know the Blessed Mother is very proud of Him, especially on that day when He came out of her womb. Ditto for St. Joseph, his surrogate but ever-loving father.

In the same way, I'm very proud of my own Emmanuel, though proud is just one of the many emotions that I'm feeling. Honored is another. And thankful that someone like me has been given this awesome gift.

And there lies this other emotion. One that involves mixed feelings, where fear and anticipation collide. The true Emmanuel lived up to the Father's expectations, despite the truth that while He is God, He also happened to be man.

My own Emmanuel, on the other hand, is pure flesh, and I know it will take several lifetimes before he can even assume even just a trace of the divinity that his namesake inherently carried.

Still, I refuse to dwell on the uncertain. For now, my Emmanuel is safe, healthy, and simply a great bundle of pure and innocent joy. I often find his eyes looking upwards whenever he is awake, after which he would suddenly flash an innocent smile on his tender lips. From there, I know someone up there is watching over him, making sure that in due time, he too will live up to the meaning of his name.