I don&8217;t know about you, but I&8217;m ready for 2006.

The past year had way too many troubles in it to suit me.

Hurricane Katrina, the Asian tsunami, the war in Iraq, and Osama Bin Laden on the loose &8212; all of that adds up to way too much difficulty for me.

I&8217;m ready to enjoy some better experiences in a new year, aren&8217;t you? And the recent celebration of Jesus&8217; birth provided me just enough hope to buoy my confidence in the events that can happen in 2006.

Just think of it &8212; the birth of the Christ child and the attending events signal to us that the hope of the world is closer than we think.

I read about a woman who managed all by herself to feed, clothe and educate eight children in a bayou tar-paper shack. When asked &8220;What kept you going in spite of all of the odds?&8221; she replied, &8220;I seen a new world coming!&8221;

Boy, oh, boy, do I like her optimistic view.

&8220;A new world coming.&8221;

She is right. And her view is alongside that of what the book of Revelation gives us in chapter 21:

&8220;…For the former things have passed away.

And He who sat upon the throne said, &8216;Behold, I make all things new…&8217;&8221; (verses 4-5).

Imagine the new things God may envision for you and your family in 2006.

Imagine the new things God may also envision for you and your church family in the year ahead.

I am not wise enough to see all that may be in front of us, but with all of my heart, I believe that God is at work in our lives and in our churches for good.

Ron Grizzle serves as pastor at Riverchase Baptist Church in Hoover. He can be reached by email at mailto:ron@rbcstaff.co