Happy New Year!
For many the start of a new year gives pause. We look back at the events of the past with
longing and/or relief. We look ahead at
the fresh canvas of days hoped for, events to be lived, and challenges to be
embraced.
As I think of transitioning from one year to the next, the
image of the “three kings” that visited Jesus gives me pause. These men journeyed a long way because they
were led by conviction, hope, and faith.
They offered gifts to a babe born to peasants, and they “departed by
another way.”
I wonder … how were these men changed by this encounter with
God, this journey of faith, this meeting with Jesus? When they “departed by another way” does this
signal more than a direction taken back home?
Today in worship we transition from a study of the promise
of a Savior found in Isaiah which was so artfully presented in Word, song,
dance, and even painting in Advent, to the reality of Jesus Christ as found in
the Gospel of Mark.
We will encounter Jesus fully grown, calling disciples,
teaching, preaching, healing, performing miracles and calling all to experience
God with freshness. I hope that as we
worship in this New Year each of us opens our hearts and lives to the best that
God desires. For some it will
necessitate laying old ideas, fears, doubts, and hurts at the feet of Jesus
even as the “three kings” laid gifts of their former lives at Jesus’ feet. For others encountering God anew will
necessitate journeying in new directions as God leads this year … embracing new
habits, believing with renewed hope, seeing through eyes of faith, serving God
and God’s people in the power of the Spirit.
My prayer is that you will read the Gospel of Mark and other
Scripture daily this year and devote time to daily prayer… talking prayer and
listening prayer. My prayer is that God
heals your hurts and fills your souls with goodness, mercy, grace and love that
overflow like a mighty river and you journey on a step at a time in faith!
Like the “three kings” God has us on a journey. The only difference is we don’t worship at a
cradle alone … we worship and serve the risen Lord! Like the “three kings” may we look above to
find direction and travel together into a future God eagerly desires for us to
embrace!
Blessings,
Tim
Tim
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