A New Year 2012
“And He who sits on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’” (Revelation 21:5) We all like new things—new clothes, new shoes, new toys, new cars, fresh paint, and nothing is more endearing than a new baby. Perhaps that is the most attractive picture of Christmas: Hope wrapped up in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.
We all know, however, that new things eventually become old and wear out. The new clothes become marred with stains or holes, or simply become too small, new shoes get scuffed, toys break, cars break down, paint chips and babies grow up. Even Baby Jesus grew into a man and died. I came across a photo this week of a forest that had been burned. The charred, dead trees stood in stark contrast to the lush, flowering undergrowth. It was a good reminder to me of how God works. Death brings forth life. Pastor Steve said recently that “every act of creation is first an act of destruction.” Baby Jesus outgrew the swaddling cloths and eventually traded them for grave clothes, but we know that is not the end of the story. Jesus conquered death and rose again, bringing us hope of new life.
Today we welcome 2012 because with a new year comes renewed hope. If 2011 were made into a movie, there are many parts I would love to play over and over again, and then there are some images I wish I had never seen, images that threaten to overshadow all of the good things of the year. May it never be that I forget God’s faithfulness. He is making all things new. He is making you and me new. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! Happy New Year! ~ Shelly Morin
