Vulnerability at the heart of Christmas |
Christmas begins with fragility rather than power. The story of Jesus’ birth places vulnerability, dependence and shared humanity at its centre.
Newman College is one of ten residential colleges affiliated to the University of Melbourne. There are 227 undergraduate and 56 graduate students in residence. Besides the Rector and Provost, the Dean of Studies cares for the academic concerns of the students and the Dean of Students cares for their pastoral and other concerns.
Both Deans were on leave during the year: the Dean of Students on maternity leave, and the Dean of Studies on paternity leave. Into the vibrant student community that is Newman College two infants, William and Harry, have dared to intrude. And they are as fragile and dependent as the students are robust and independent. As the students emerge from the cocoon of school and family and take these further steps towards life and career commitments, William and Harry are very much intent initially on survival and then on growth and development. But all this is contingent on escaping and avoiding the multiple accidents and vulnerabilities that nascent human life is heir........