Wednesday, December 6, 2006 at 1:01am
Christmas, miracles and all things possible
Column: Bluebonnet
Do you believe in miracles?
I've read lots of theological definitions of a "miracle," but I think many might simply define a miracle as that which is unlikely, impossible or unexpected, yet happens. I've been inspired by a song — "The Impossible," performed by country-western singer Joe Nichols. In fact, I would say it's a song about miracles, but it hints at a different definition of miracles than is summed up by the lyric "I've learned to never underestimate the impossible."
People everywhere long for something. For better health, for improved self-image, for a happier and more satisfying life, for peace, for purpose, for security, for safety, and so on.
What are you seeking? Do you believe it's obtainable?
The Bible also offers a different perspective about what some people may think of as impossible. In the books of Matthew, Mark and Luke we read that "all things are possible with God." Certainly the disciples of Christ Jesus and a multitude of other folks proved that the impossible was possible — more than a few times.
Jesus told us faith can move mountains. Of course, this kind of faith sounds like it requires trust that the "impossible" is truly possible before we can witness it.
Considering the virgin birth of Jesus gives us reason to believe that what is possible is based upon a divine law rather than human theories and conceptions — or misconceptions. Perhaps that's why the Christmas season inspires my childlike enthusiasm and hope that anything truly is possible.
The Bible is filled with accounts that stagger the merely human imagination — and point to a divine law that governs us. Again and again good conquers evil, the incurable are healed, the impossible is proven possible. I can't help but want to understand more about this divine law of God — this divine law that makes goodness and wellness natural and normal for His beloved creation.
Christmas fills my heart with hope and my soul with expectation. Believing anything is possible — and even natural — opens us to new ways of seeing — a change in our point of view. When the premise for our viewpoint has no limits, then strong is our faith, firm is our hope and great is our expectation.
We can begin by noticing what seem like everyday miracles. Look at the stars on a clear night. What could be more awe-inspiring than the fact that the universe exists — that you and I exist? That each of us surely must be here for a purpose?
What could be more incredible than the profound statement of hope written by Anne Frank in her diary from her hiding place in Nazi Germany: "Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart." Her words are in and of themselves a wonder to many because she was able to see the spiritual truth of God's creation — even in a very dangerous, difficult situation surrounded by actions that would suggest man was anything but God's good creation.
Many times in my life it's been proven to me that the impossible can become possible and the unlikely and unexpected can be naturally and assuredly experienced. That I could go to college even though I had no money and was uncertain how the tuition would get paid. That I could meet the man who would become my husband for 25 years and counting. That I could have a baby against many human odds. That I could be freed of pain when medication didn't work. That I could love and be happy where I live. My list could go on and on. I could write a book telling about all the so-called "miracles" of my life. I bet you could do the same. (Actually, I have written about each of these in previous columns!)
If we open our eyes and deepen our perception, we will see God's law of order and harmony all around us. Thanks, Joe Nichols, for your song of promise! Keeping my heart filled with hope and expectation, I will never underestimate the "impossible" again.
— — —
Annette Bridges is a free-lance writer and lives on a north Texas ranch with her husband, John. For the past 25 years, she has been a student of Christian Science, the method of healing explained in Mary Baker Eddy's book "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." Visit her website and participate in her blog at Annette Bridges.com and send her an email at {email annettebridges@gmail.com}annettebridges@gmail.com{/email}. © copyright 2006 by Annette Bridges
I've read lots of theological definitions of a "miracle," but I think many might simply define a miracle as that which is unlikely, impossible or unexpected, yet happens. I've been inspired by a song — "The Impossible," performed by country-western singer Joe Nichols. In fact, I would say it's a song about miracles, but it hints at a different definition of miracles than is summed up by the lyric "I've learned to never underestimate the impossible."
People everywhere long for something. For better health, for improved self-image, for a happier and more satisfying life, for peace, for purpose, for security, for safety, and so on.
What are you seeking? Do you believe it's obtainable?
The Bible also offers a different perspective about what some people may think of as impossible. In the books of Matthew, Mark and Luke we read that "all things are possible with God." Certainly the disciples of Christ Jesus and a multitude of other folks proved that the impossible was possible — more than a few times.
Jesus told us faith can move mountains. Of course, this kind of faith sounds like it requires trust that the "impossible" is truly possible before we can witness it.
Considering the virgin birth of Jesus gives us reason to believe that what is possible is based upon a divine law rather than human theories and conceptions — or misconceptions. Perhaps that's why the Christmas season inspires my childlike enthusiasm and hope that anything truly is possible.
The Bible is filled with accounts that stagger the merely human imagination — and point to a divine law that governs us. Again and again good conquers evil, the incurable are healed, the impossible is proven possible. I can't help but want to understand more about this divine law of God — this divine law that makes goodness and wellness natural and normal for His beloved creation.
Christmas fills my heart with hope and my soul with expectation. Believing anything is possible — and even natural — opens us to new ways of seeing — a change in our point of view. When the premise for our viewpoint has no limits, then strong is our faith, firm is our hope and great is our expectation.
We can begin by noticing what seem like everyday miracles. Look at the stars on a clear night. What could be more awe-inspiring than the fact that the universe exists — that you and I exist? That each of us surely must be here for a purpose?
What could be more incredible than the profound statement of hope written by Anne Frank in her diary from her hiding place in Nazi Germany: "Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart." Her words are in and of themselves a wonder to many because she was able to see the spiritual truth of God's creation — even in a very dangerous, difficult situation surrounded by actions that would suggest man was anything but God's good creation.
Many times in my life it's been proven to me that the impossible can become possible and the unlikely and unexpected can be naturally and assuredly experienced. That I could go to college even though I had no money and was uncertain how the tuition would get paid. That I could meet the man who would become my husband for 25 years and counting. That I could have a baby against many human odds. That I could be freed of pain when medication didn't work. That I could love and be happy where I live. My list could go on and on. I could write a book telling about all the so-called "miracles" of my life. I bet you could do the same. (Actually, I have written about each of these in previous columns!)
If we open our eyes and deepen our perception, we will see God's law of order and harmony all around us. Thanks, Joe Nichols, for your song of promise! Keeping my heart filled with hope and expectation, I will never underestimate the "impossible" again.
— — —
Annette Bridges is a free-lance writer and lives on a north Texas ranch with her husband, John. For the past 25 years, she has been a student of Christian Science, the method of healing explained in Mary Baker Eddy's book "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." Visit her website and participate in her blog at Annette Bridges.com and send her an email at {email annettebridges@gmail.com}annettebridges@gmail.com{/email}. © copyright 2006 by Annette Bridges