This Time of Year…
brings with it many feelings and emotions. For some people there is expectancy and joy; of gifts, of seeing friends and family again, of holiday maybe. There can be trepidation about receiving another jumper from Aunt Mable, or more socks. But for others this is a time of real sorrow; for loved ones missed desperately, or for the long dark evenings and the loneliness they bring.
This is, of course a time we naturally think of endings and new beginnings. In the Northern Hemisphere the seasons play a key part in this, but there may be unseen forces at work too. As we draw near to the end of December I feel a sense of a ‘sling shot’ coming on. Am I in tune with the planet’s movements, probably not? But as the planet reaches the turning point of its orbit around the Sun there is the sense that we are being propelled forward towards the warmth (we hope) of summer, towards the season of light and abundance of life.
Many magazines, the TV and radio, and social media will soon be asking us all what resolutions we’ve made for the New Year. I will jump in ask, ‘have you thought of any resolutions for 2025?’
The bible encourages reflection and resolution making, not just at the turn of the year but throughout. To take time to reflect on what has been, to make ‘clear the decks’ if necessary – ‘forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us’. There is also encouragement to be resolved to live a new way, a new start each day ‘your kingdom come and will be done on earth as in heaven’. What is that way, well simply, it is the way of love, justice and peace! At Christmas we celebrate this ‘Way of God’ come from heaven to earth in the birth of Jesus.
If we are honest being people of love, justice and peace is not always easy. However, God knows that and because of that the Son was sent and the Spirit remains with us to guide us and give us the strength to love, passion for justice to be seen and a peace which passes understanding. All it takes from us is a resolve, a resolve to stick in orbit about him and remain with him through all the seasons of life.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!