Each December, as the outgoing year draws to a close and people look toward the start of a new year, I hear comments about how glad they are to see the old year end. How much they hope that new year will offer a reset of sorts; a chance to shake off the difficulties and struggles that filled the outgoing year and begin anew. We probably should know better. The changing of a calendar really doesn’t impact the personal struggles, the political strife, the international unrest, or the economic difficulties we face.
Yet, as people of faith, we also know that we never face anything alone.
We know that the God who creates the world and us, stands alongside us through each and every challenge we encounter. We know that the love and faithfulness of God will not fail to care for us. We know that God’s persistent, unexpected, transforming presence in the world (and in our lives) is in the midst of bringing change that moves toward true justice, deep hope, and everlasting peace. This is who God is and what God does. Always. Everywhere. Even when we question. Even when we doubt. Even when we yell to the heavens in rage at what is happening or what we don’t understand.
No matter how you are feeling about the start of this new year, remember there is a new beginning every single day. There is a new beginning each moment. The God who creates and saves and moves us is here, making all things new. Working to bring healing despite tragedy, abuse, and disaster. Continuing to bring reconciliation in the face of violence, and hate. Pouring love and forgiveness into our broken and hurting world. It may not be a swift as we’d like, but God is alive and active. God is changing us as well as the world.
Today begins the season of Epiphany. After the twelve days of Christmas, we remember the story of the magi, strangers who followed a star from distant lands to honor the infant Jesus. They saw that God was up to something remarkable and wanted to bear witness. Revisiting their story reminds us that God is still up to something remarkable that includes all the nations and peoples of the world. The light of the star in the deepest night guided them to the child. The light of God’s healing, justice, and hope will guide us in the deepest, most difficult challenges we face.
As people of faith, we fasten our hope on God. We follow the star that guides us through perils and pain. We follow the star that reminds us to work for justice, peace, and reconciliation. We follow the star that comforts us when we are so weary. We follow the star that bears witness to the one who creates everything, loves and changes each of us (including outsiders), and stirs us to follow and bring light wherever we are.
May this be a year that transforms us all.
Peace,