Not long ago I told a good friend of mine that we were expecting the pitter patter of little feet around our house late this year. Knowing my wife and I to both be in our mid 50's he cocked one eyebrow and asked, "So, are you getting a Chihuahua?" "No," I responded, "we're expecting our first grandchild sometime in December." He was elated over the news.
As time went on we were anxious to know the sex of the baby whether it is to be a boy or a girl. I remember the day that Jennifer, our daughter-in-law, was to go to the doctor for the thingamajiggy that would tell her and Sean the sex. My wife was on pins and needles that morning and called me regularly throughout the day to find out if I had heard anything. Then came "The Call."
"Dad," it was my son, "how do you feel about having a grandson?" "So, it's a boy?" I asked. "On the other hand," Sean continued, "how would you like to have a little granddaughter?" I followed with, "So, it's a girl, then? Sean, which is it, a boy or a girl?" There was a brief silence. "It's one of each," he said. Oh wow!!! Not only was I going to be a grandfather for the first time but I was getting two to begin with; one of each.
My wife and I have been very excited over the past months. December can't get here quickly enough. I somehow feel like my parents. Their first child was born in August; my sister. Then their first grandchild was born in August. My first child was born in December, and my first grandchildren are actually due on my oldest son's birthday. I also feel a little kinship to another couple who were excited about what they knew about their son and His birth. They were expecting a child of promise.
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for he will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:20, 21 For us, the miracle of having two grandchildren born to our family is a wonderful event. However, the birth of our Savior, His life, death and resurrection, will hopefully give my grandchildren great joy and hope for living.