Many, many years ago, on a night like this, the world was changed, though it didn’t know at the time. On a night like this, many, many years ago, heaven came to earth through ordinary people like you and me. A child was born, who would one day grow up to save the world.
Exactly 5 years ago, on a night like this, my life was changed, though I didn’t know at the time. On a night like this, exactly 5 years ago, I walked into All Saints’ Church for the very first time. My life then compared to now is drastically different.
The world has been brutal to me the past few years. A spirit of anxiety and depression hung over me while the world tormented me over and over, each hit knocking me down further. In 8th grade, a close family member of mine had a miscarriage that was absolutely devastating for me. Freshman year, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The following year, a close family friend committed suicide and other close friends attempted suicide as well. Heartbreak after heartbreak shattered me to pieces.
However, throughout these same 5 years, blessings on blessings have occurred. I now have a wonderful stepdad. My two beautiful siblings were born and have begun developing their own personalities. I have received a vigorous but rewarding education. Most importantly, I developed a relationship with the Creator of the universe. I have experienced love like never before. I have a second family at All Saints’ church. My youth pastors bought me a study bible and taught me how to turn to God’s word in the midst of hardship. My youth group is full of lifelong friends that have been there with me through it all. I have been able to love the amazing children at my church, and have experienced unconditional love from them in return. Regardless of the ups and downs, I found what it means to have hope in God and I learned what it means to be His child.
How do people bear it if they have no hope? How do they survive the unpredictability of the world as we know it? Exactly 5 years ago, on a night like this, my life was changed, though I didn’t know it at the time. On a night like this, exactly 5 years ago, a seed of hope was planted in me for the first time. The child born many, many years ago, on a night like this, was born to save ME. For that, I am eternally grateful.
