“What, then, will this child be?” That question raised about John the Baptist could be asked of any child. Every child has a vast potential to live out their identity as beloved of God if only given the chance. However, when parents feel their child imperiled the question become even more urgent. Parents in the Ukraine ask “what will this child be?” Parents in Gaza. Parents in South Chicago. Parents of immigrants. “What will this child be?” It takes a village to raise a child but it takes a world to protect a child so that they can grow up and fulfill their destiny before God. Jesus was born a child to show us how precious every child is in the sight of God. If there is one thing that should guide political and social and ecclesial decisions it would be to ensure the well-being a child. To do otherwise protends a future without hope.
