A Wish, A Prayer And A Song

My cousin and his wife had their baby girl, Esme, in April.  When I visited them in the hospital, they had to stay a bit later than expected due to a health issue for the baby.  They are all fine now but I asked if I could say a prayer that I had found in the Book of Common Prayer.  They agreed and when I read it, they were both in tears, and I think appreciated it very much.

Another baby was born in England just today!   And I would like to show some flowers that were taken on May 3rd of last year in celebration of this baby boy's birth.  Welcome to the world, Olly!

May both of these babies know beauty and appreciate it every day of their lives.  That is my wish.

And the prayer that I said at the hospital is this:

Oh God, you have taught us through your blessed Son that whoever receives a little child in the name of Christ receives Christ himself. We give you thanks for the blessing you have bestowed upon this family in giving them a child. Confirm their joy by a lively sense of your presence with them, and give them calm strength and patient wisdom as they seek to bring this child to love all that is true and noble, just and pure, loveable and gracious, excellent and admirable, following the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.    Amen.

"Don't be afraid of the dark, little one, it's just the same as when it's light, little one,
There's nothing in the night that's not there in the day. Don't be afraid of the night".
We love this music by Ralph McTell and "Impala" was one of our son's favorites.