New Year's Blog

 

Dear Friends

There are many New Year’s Days to observe. The first day of school, the first Sunday of Advent and, for baseball fans, the first day of spring training. 

But everyone celebrates January 1^st, no matter what one’s situation, faith or interest. Have we ever, in our lifetimes, been so anxious to "turn the page"? Of course most turn the page calendars are not tied to a particular day or year. It is our wall calendars which we usually toss into the recycling bin.  (This year I can imagine someone organizing a community burning of those calendars!)

But before we are so quick to throw out 2020, there are some things for which we can be thankful:

***Many more deserving people have had the label “hero” attached to their professions. Their service and sacrifices should continue to inspire us all. I include my fellow, still active clergy, as they do their best to keep the supply chain of Good News flowing, in the face of many challenges.

***Democracy (the election process) while still under attack, won! Politics and politicians of all stripes can still infuriate us, and things will remain messy. But we can also breathe a deep sigh of relief because a new tone and style (as well as dignity and decency) is returning to the oval office.

***And maybe it’s because I am retired again and sheltered at home for the time being, but I am more aware of and thankful for so many ordinary, daily blessings (including watching the birds that come to our feeders).

Going forward into 2021, I hope and pray for our nation (and world), that more people will see the pandemic as a public health crisis which we all need to take more seriously. It should have nothing to do with politics. Going forward, I hope more people will ignore those voices with large platforms who have muddied the message and cost lives.   

But most of all going forward, I hope we will remember that the one who has brought us this far, will continue to guide us through our every step and stumble in the new year, that we will recognize our daily choices matter, and that no matter what, we are loved beyond measure and have reason to rejoice.

As that 17^th century Slovak hymn puts it:

His love abundant far exceeds

the volume of a whole year’s needs

Rejoice, rejoice with thanks embrace

another year of grace

 

With such a Lord to lead our way

in hazard and prosperity,

what need we fear in earth or space

in this new year of grace?

 

Happy New Year!

 

John