Having just closed out 2020 and now moving into 2021 it is both a time for reflection and for anticipation. I think we could all agree on how 2020 was a year like none other and one we would sooner forget than hold on to.
When I think of the deaths of beloved church members, friends, family, and others I am saddened to my core. Too many deaths, too many losses, too much suffering, too much worrying, too many experiences lost for me not to be happy to see a new year begin. I’ve cried too much this past year.
The New Year holds new promises, new opportunities, new chances to begin again. That’s the heart and soul of our faith isn’t it? New life, new hope, new beginnings in Christ. With the COVID-19 vaccines just now arriving there is hope on the horizon and we can all look forward to life returning to something like normal again. Of course, the “new normal” won’t be like the “old normal” but it will be better than what we have experienced this past year.
Just think, coming back to church to be together, to share in singing and sharing and worshipping the Lord together will be renewing, joyful, and life giving. The New Year may present a time for healing in our nation too. Without taking sides, since the political divide pretty is close to 50-50 I think we can all agree we have had enough of the in-fighting, bickering and nastiness between the two parties. Who knows, maybe we’ll even see a lessening of people labeling anyone who disagrees with them. I can’t think of any other year when the fresh, new start of a New Year seemed so welcome…and needed.
What are your hopes for the new year? What lessons have you learned from the past year? In spite of all the pain and all the division and all the loss what can we identify that was good? For me, affirming the importance of being together, of experiencing community and being here to support and love one another has never been clearer. Sadly, it too often takes loss to remind us of what we had and what is important to maintain, to nurture, to ensure and hold on to, with all our heart and soul.
May the New Year be a good one for you. May hope replace despair. May fond memories of life shared with the people you have lost put a smile on your face. May the new year begin with a smile on your face, love in your heart and happiness in your soul.