Love's child is both fact and symbol, the literal fruition of sexual union and a metaphor of the creativity that is an element in all true love. The gospel of love, creativity, and hope come together in the announcement: "For unto us a child is born." All forms of love ripen and prove themselves genuine by their fruitfulness in giving birth to something — not necessarily a flesh and blood child — that goes forth into the future.

Sam Keen, To Love and Be Loved