January Pastor's Article

 A BLESSED NEW YEAR 

 

At this time of the year my nostalgic thoughts often go back to my childhood.  Although I was an only a child, we shared the same yard with five other young cousins.  My two uncles and their families lived in a two family dwelling and we lived in a small house in the back.  New Year’s Eve was when we all got together to “welcome in the New Year.”  My parents and I would be the last to be there since we attended a New Year’s Eve worship service first. 

 

The evening consisted of playing games like Monopoly, Sorry, or Canasta until midnight. At midnight it was traditional to make a lot of noise.  We would have noisemakers and my uncles would shoot a gun or two in the back yard.  Everyone would hug and kiss and wish each other “Happy New Year” after which we would have sandwiches, etc., talk a little and go back to our own homes around one or two A.M.  This was in the distant past.  

 

This year is far removed from family parties and get-togethers due to the pandemic.  

But,  the New Year of 2021 is certainly upon us as we anticipate what it may bring.  As God’s people in Christ, we certainly want to trust in Him to be with us and know we have His promise of strength and peace.  With that hope, I share with you a song/ prayer that I wrote: 

 

A PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR 

 

We ask you, Lord, for Your blessings in the new year. 

Keep us and all we love within Your grace, 

Guide us as we live to Your great glory, 

Until we meet with Jesus face to face. 

 

We don’t know what the New Year will bring us, 

Whether joy or sorrow, hope or despair, 

But we know that you will always be with us. 

You promised we can cast on You our care, 

 

Because of Jesus’ dying and His rising 

Our sins have all been washed away. 

Eternity’s been promised for the faithful 

And we will go to live with Him someday. 

 

Although we often fail to love, or remember 

To follow Your guidance and Your will. 

In repentance we can turn back to Your love, 

And Your grace opens up to us still. 

 

All glory to the Father, Son and Spirit, 

All glory to the great Three in One. 

All we ask for in the New Year 

In great faith, Thy will be done. 

 

Rev. James W. Rhiver, Pastor