New Year, New Hope, New Beginning
Thursday January 2, 2014
We are beginning a new year. All of us look to this year with hope. We long for something that is better than the years that have gone before. We have seen many news programs and magazines review events of 2013. Much of that news was dominated by disaster and suffering. As we enter into 2014 it's wonderful to know there is good news. The basis of that good news is Jesus Christ, the one whose birth we've just celebrated again during Christmas 2013.
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”— “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:1-4,7 NIV)
God was in this New Year before we got to it. God has made Himself and His forgiving love available to us. God has personally prepared a wonderful year for us and for our society. Whatever has been wrong in our past, God invites us today to prepare our hearts and lives to receive a new life -- new life in Christ.
Christ died for everyone. He died so that those who live should not live for themselves anymore. They should live for Christ. He died for them and was raised again. So from now on we don’t look at anyone the way the world does. At one time we looked at Christ in that way. But we don’t anymore. He brought us back to himself through Christ’s death on the cross. And he has given us the task of bringing others back to him through Christ. So we are Christ’s official messengers. It is as if God were making his appeal through us. Here is what Christ wants us to beg you to do. Come back to God! (2 Corinthians 5:15-16, 18, 20 NIV)
In the same way that we have needed forgiveness from God and a new way of life based in loving relationship with God, so do others. God wants us to prepare the way so others can experience this good news that will fill their year 2014 in exceptional ways with His love and kindness. How do we do that? As John the Baptist did, we can share the message of repentance -- of turning our lives away from sinful and selfish distractions towards God's loving guidance and care. We can share our stories of the strength and hope we've found in surrendering our will and our lives to the care of Christ.
It's a new year. Let's fill this year with the “Good News” of God's love. Let’s share this good news of God’s love and care with everyday people we meet in our everyday lives. Let’s reach out to those who are in pain and see their lives transformed by the power of God’s unfailing love.
©2014 Partners in Hope
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