January is a very special month because it offers us the opportunity to reflect upon the past and then provides us enough days to start new routines or habits if our reflections deem that some changes are necessary. There are many who start the New Year with strong intentions of eating healthier food, or more exercise, or reading devotions, or reading scripture each day, or to quit smoking, or drinking less coffee or… the list can go on and on.Often times the newness is planned and intentional and this can be good.To plan for newness and be intentional about setting a new course in our lives in order that this intentional newness may take root and become a part of our life and our lifestyle is good.And for those of you how have taken on the commitment to intentionally bring newness into your lives, I pray for success and strength in order for the newness to take root and bear fruit.

In our reflections of the year past, we also come to realize that much of the newness that visits our lives is seldom intentional.In reality, the newness of life or lifestyle which calls for us to change seems to just come upon us, usually uninvited.It’s in times like these that our resistance to change is challenged.We may not like new things and new ways that come to us unexpectedly, because we are forced to deal with them. We may say, “I didn’t ask for this, why did I get it?” or “I didn’t want this, why is this happening to me?” Newness forces its way into our lives and we wonder and wander.

Newness reflects the fragileness of life.Newness reflects opportunities and adaptability which tests our character and our faith.It’s in this faith that we can welcome newness whether it is intentional or unintentional, expected or unexpected, planned or unplanned.For it is in this gift of faith that we may not come to know what lies ahead for sure, but we do know that all things will work for goodness and well being because God is in it.We can know and experience that God knows our circumstance, God is for us and God will always be with us.This promise is fulfilled and lived in the One who delivers the New Covenant God has made with each of us.

With the New Year upon us, and a new worship space before us, and new people among us, may we trust and welcome newness, intentional or unintentional, with the grace and hope God has grafted into our hearts through the gift of His Holy Spirit.May this New Year of 2007 bring moments of peace, hope and well being to you and all your loved ones throughout the year. Thanks be to God.