O 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, lovable and gracious, excellent and admirable, following the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. (BCP 443)

My wife and I have just become grandparents, so in addition to the prayer above (from the service Thanskgiving for the Birth of a Child) I’ll be saying the Magnificat at Evening Prayer tonight with a new appreciation.

Rejoice with us as our souls proclaim the greatness of the Lord!