“See, I am making all things new … I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.
To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.” (Revelation 5:5-6)
For many persons the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions is an incentive to change some aspect of their lives or achieve some goal – an opportunity for a fresh start. Perhaps now is the time for you to consider growing in your relationship with God – to open yourself to God’s offer to drink deeply from the spring of the water of life and allow God to include you in Christ’s new creation.
What does a life in Christ look like? You may wish to consider the following:
- How willing are you to provide God with the space and time needed for transformation?
- As you read or hear the Christmas story from the second chapter of Luke, you might reflect on whether there is “room in the inn” of your life for Jesus.
- Mary offered God her whole self so that Christ might come into the world. At baptism each of us shares in her privilege of bearing/carrying Christ into the world. Are you allowing Christ to live in you?
- How do others encounter Christ in you?
- What does God most desire for you, God’s beloved child?
- What in your life brings God joy? This is your gift to God, more precious than the gold, frankincense and myrrh of the wise men.
We do well to remember that God is continually in the process of “making all things new.” Every moment of every day is a potential new beginning. We need not succumb to discouragement or resign ourselves to the status quo if we become distracted or find the going tough. God will work through us and through all who have open and willing hearts.
When it comes to resolutions in general, some persons will obtain their objectives in the coming year; many more will not. Commitment and will-power play their part but the outcome often depends upon whether one continues to believe the resolution is achievable.
What do you believe is possible with God?
- Pastor Derek French