The journey that began the December night I received my child’s frightening medical news continued into the next summer. One evening I was sitting at the end of a dock beside a clear mountain lake. A few last rays from the setting sun tinted the scattered clouds, which earlier had brought light rain. I was praying yet again for my child. Suddenly, I flung my open arms to the sky and spoke to Jesus with complete conviction: "If You have allowed it, then I can trust it." It was my way of giving up my child to Him - of giving up my desire to say how this should end.

No sooner had I spoken than a magnificent rainbow formed right before my eyes, filling the sky with color. I wanted to leap into the air and run under that rainbow, treading the clouds. I still had no answer for our family’s crisis, but I had hope.

Six months later, after another Christmas celebration of the miracle of the Christ Child, our own child received miraculous news of perfect health!

Even in the dark times, Mary had a hope anchored in that first angelic promise, "Of his kingdom there shall be no end." I believe this hope supported her from the flight into Egypt clear to the foot of the Cross. For all her joy in holding her Bethlehem baby, I picture her most keenly -even at Christmas- rushing into the outstretched arms of her risen Son.

Jesus, You give such hope and power and purpose to Your people! The tiny flailing fists of Bethlehem have become the strong arms of my salvation.   -Carol Knapp