Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17
Happy New Year 2023!
For many people this is the time of renewal or resolutions-
to choose to try to do something different which will better their life or living in the new year. But unfortunately, we know that many of these resolutions do not last because one’s life choices do not change only a few thoughts might have changed over all. This is because to bring about change in one’s life there is work.
But the good news is that when one chooses to follow Jesus-
the beginning of change brings about newness of life, faith and hope.
Just what are we hoping for in 2023? We know that economists
are predicting a recession, inflation is creeping up slowly and so are interest
rates. Homelessness is increasing as are the number of people seeking help with
food security. But there is still hope if we have faith in Jesus!
Where does your hope lie? There is a concern rising that
hope is fading for the next generations. Why work hard when you’ll get paid by
either your employer or the governments? Why strive to do well in school? The
jobs are just not there that will enable young people to launch into life on
their own? Why pursue relationships as one cannot afford to move into different
accommodations because there are few available?
But there is hope! If we look beyond ourselves and lift our
hearts to Christ Jesus. He is the one who knows what is occurring in our hearts
and minds. He is also the one who gives new life through his resurrection from
death. He is the one who says come and follow me—I will give you life!
IT is through his birth that the gifts of peace, joy, love
and hope are received. Have we forgotten from where our hope comes?
As we look to the empty boxes of 2023 calendars, how are you
filling them up to have new hope for your future and life? Where are you
looking for hope? As Christians our hope is in Jesus our Saviour. This is the
best resolution yet—follow Christ in faith and with hope!
PRAYER
Holy God of grace we praise you and thank you for Jesus who
brings hope to us as we begin a new year. There are many things we do not know
or understand which will take place in these coming months, but we do know that
you are with us through them all. Increase our faith and enable us to put our
hope in you once again. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.