“Christmas is a time not only of joy but also of reflection.
The quotation has been attributed to the British statesman Winston Churchill, and it appears to be particularly pertinent in the present era, decades after the English leader first uttered it.
I recently experienced a reflective yuletide mood following my viewing of a cinematic representation of the Nativity. What was most striking was that Joseph was the only person Mary could rely on when she gave birth. There was no physician or midwife present; only Joseph, her husband, assisted her.
This recollection prompted me to consider a couple whose first child was born in the primary bedroom of their apartment. No medical professionals were present at the time of the birth. The woman was forced to seek assistance from the father of her child in order to safely deliver the infant.
The infant in question was, in fact, me. It is unclear what my mother would have done had my father not been present to provide guidance and comfort during the childbirth process.
It is a regrettable fact that mothers of unborn children are frequently abandoned by the fathers of their babies, by the grandparents of those infants, and by other relatives. Fortunately, staff and volunteers at pregnancy resource centres are willing to provide the support and encouragement these women require at a crucial juncture in their lives.
It is my hope and prayer this Christmas that family members, especially fathers, will demonstrate support for the courageous women who carry children in their wombs. It is my hope that men will emulate Joseph’s example and provide assistance to pregnant women in their time of need.
Daniel Miller is responsible for nearly all of National Right to Life News' political writing.
With the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, Daniel Miller developed a deep obsession with U.S. politics that has never let go of the political scientist. Whether it's the election of Joe Biden, the midterm elections in Congress, the abortion rights debate in the Supreme Court or the mudslinging in the primaries - Daniel Miller is happy to stay up late for you.
Daniel was born and raised in New York. After living in China, working for a news agency and another stint at a major news network, he now lives in Arizona with his two daughters.
