contributed by:
Dr. E. Maurlea Babb
family therapist
member of First United Methodist Church,
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
I sat in church on Christmas Eve looking at the decorations and listening to the music. I go to church every week because my family told me it was a good thing. It is a part of my ‘routine.’ But this night was different.
I was looking at the baby in the manger and began to think of this small, vulnerable creature lying there and the life He lived.
I thought of the first sentence of THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED – “Life is difficult.” I certainly can relate to that statement. My life has been filled with sadness, loneliness, struggles, and failures.
And as I continued to feel a connection, relating to His experiences and the grace with which he handled situations I began to think – “What if I began to see life differently? What if I began to know with certainty that I am never alone, that He is always at my side, encouraging me to value this gift of life? What if I discovered a ‘mission’ for my life? What if I used my determination to ‘write the next chapter’ of my life with a more positive outlook- finding one or more things to feel grateful for each day.
At that moment I received a gift – a gift of HOPE. I could literally hear the angels sing the ‘GOOD NEWS’ – the good news that there is hope for me. I could have a ‘new beginning.’
I left the service with a sense of wonder- telling myself that I have received the greatest gift – the gift of hope – coming to me from the small infant in the manger - Jesus Christ. May we all allow ourselves to experience this wonder – the wonder of New Beginnings.
