New Year, New Beginnings

Readings: Genesis 1:1-2:25, Matthew 1:1-2:12, Psalms 1:1-6, Proverbs 1:1-6


Although most of us are not favorable to change, the chances we're given to make some changes when New Year's Day comes along seem to be welcomed. It gives us a fresh start to shake off the bad habits, bad feelings, and bad moods in favor of starting new good habits, thinking good thoughts, and generally taking a breath of fresh air needed this time of year.


One of my favorite things to do during New Year's Day is to begin at the beginning of reading the chapters and verses for January 1 in my "read the Bible in a year". I've been reading through the Bible using this method now for a number of years. I know what the readings for January 1 will be, yet I always continue to enjoy the feeling of freshness and new beginnings every time I turn the page and see January 1.


And why wouldn't we relish newness and freshness? We were created in a spirit of uniqueness that can only be a result of something brand new. In the beloved familiar story in today's reading, we see that wonderful word, creation, used over and over again--it has to be--every thing was created and created with perfection. Initially, even man and woman were created through perfection as a result of being created in the image of God. The plants, the trees, the animals, the seas...all created in perfection. Newness...Freshness...what a wonder!


When we read the verses of Matthew, we once again see fresh starts. Up until this point in time, man had gone from bad to worse given free reign over his destiny. It was through an indescribably loving act of God that we were given a fresh start...through the birth of a baby. With that very birth, all the sins of the world could be removed and all the sinners in the world were given the chance to turn their lives around to live a life of goodness on earth and into eternity. A beautiful newness and freshness in the lives of all!


Psalm 1:2 gives us a way to "freshen up" and renew our lives: "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night". Every day we are given the opportunity to stay renewed and revitalized by having a true sense of direction.


In closing, the wonderful words of advice given to us in Proverbs:
"...for attaining wisdom and discipline for understanding words of insight"(2)
"...for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair" (3)
"...for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young"(4)
"...let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance" (5)
All messages to give us Godly direction in our fresh start of a fresh new year.


So, Happy New Year and Happy New Life; let's get back to our roots of life. We have people, ourselves and the great outdoors to care for, and we have the blessings of a loving God to worship through the grace of his loving Son.


Peace be with you in 2012.