I Am the New Year

“The old has gone, the new is here!" ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17

We’re about to jump into the month named after the Roman god Janus, a fitting image of the start of a New Year.  Janus had two faces so that he could look ahead toward the future and back at the past concurrently.  Hence, he was worshipped at both planting and harvest times, as well as births, marriages, and other beginnings.

So it is that, like Janus, we approach January 1^st as a transition from one situation to another, from one vision to another, from one goal to another.

But before we rid ourselves of the old year, there should be time for deep reflection and celebration of all that’s taken place in our lives.  We should remember each experience for the good that’s come of it and for the knowledge we gained; the efforts made and the targets met; the laughter, the joy, the hard work; even the tears.  We know through experience what we did wrong and what we did right, hoping to do better in the coming 52 weeks.

Such is the New Year - an unspoiled page in our book of time, a new shot at the art of living, our chance to improve on what we learned from living the last twelve months.

All that we sought and didn’t find lies perhaps within reach, waiting for us to search it but with more determination.  All the good that we attempted yet didn’t achieve is still attainable with fewer conflicting desires.  All that we dreamed but didn’t dare to do, all that we hoped but didn’t drive, all the faith we claimed but didn’t practice lies dormant, waiting to be lit by the torch of a strong purpose.

Most notably is our opportunity to renew our allegiance to the One who said; "Behold, I make all things new." Like the air we breathe, time comes to us as a part of life even though we’ve done little to deserve it, earn it, or purchased it.  All from God.

Whether you’ve just walked through the greatest year of your life, or are anxious to see this one finally end, one truth still rings clear amidst it all.  You’re not alone.  Not ever.  Hope can be found in Jesus, not Janus.

The best way to have that new beginning is with God’s help.  Ours is a “with us" God.  On the heels of the celebration of the birth of our King, that reminder has the power to carry us right into a fresh, new start.  He is Immanuel (meaning ‘God with us’).  Though people and things shift and change around us, God never does.  His unwavering assurance promises everlasting security.

Almighty Father, shine Your light in us, through us, over us.  May we make a difference in this world, for Your glory and purpose.  Reflect Your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs Your presence and healing.  Amen