January

Happy New Year,

And so we cry on January 1 . The old year with it joys and yes also with its struggles comes to an end and there is a fresh beginning. We make resolutions to move in new directions. We hope for new possibilities. There are hopes that old sins can be forgiven and new relationships can happen. There is true celebration that we are gifted another year of life and love and adventures.

But as Christians this is only a symbol of what is going on each and every day. In Christ we are constantly finding new life. Each day is a celebration of the gift of another day and all that it brings. Each day we know we are forgiven and new relationship is possible. Each day is celebration. The Psalmist says it all when it is written- “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it.”

Robert J. Hastings little piece “The Station,” Ends with these words:

So, gently close the door on yesterday and throw the key away. It isn’t the burdens of today that drive men mad, but rather the regret over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who would rob us of today.

“Relish the moment” is a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, swim more rivers, climb more mountains, kiss more babies, count more stars. Laugh more and cry less. Go barefoot oftener. Eat more ice cream. Ride more merry-go- rounds. Watch more sunsets. Life must be lived as we go along.

Martin Luther had his own way of thinking about this. He wrote about baptism saying it:

“signifies that the old creature in us … is to be drowned and die through daily … repentance, and … that daily a new person is to come forth and arise up to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.”

So we give thanks for 365 new days each year, each day a new beginning, a sign of the new life we will experience forever. Don’t limit your joy to New Year’s Eve.

Yours in Christ, Pastor Cris and Pastor Dave