Jim's Clip - January

We commonly use a certain date as a significant marker.  For example, those of my generation most likely remember where they were and what they were doing when President John Kennedy was assassinated on November 22,1963.  The same is probably true of the explosion of the space shuttle "Challenger" on January 28, 1986.  And, to this day we talk about events in relation to Hurricane Ivan which devastated so much of our area.  September 2004 will be forever "written" in our minds.

January 1, 2012 marks a new beginning of sorts.  The arrival of a new year has implications for record keeping, tax deductions, budgets, and various other matters.  We hear friends and acquaintances talk in terms of resolutions to do things differently, and we have all done the same.  That date, January 1, does have an effect.  It confronts us with the realities which should be and can be changed if we will commit to do what it takes.

Based on my personal experiences, I have concluded that it is silly for me to resolve to change.  I have failed too many times.  In principle, I am like the Apostle Paul who said in the seventh chapter of his epistle to the Romans, "....for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.  For the good that I would I do not:  but the evil which I would not, that I do."  (KJV, Romans 7:18b - 19)  Paul goes on to state that victory is through Christ Jesus.

Therefore, there is hope for us regarding those things in our lives which need to be changed.  Throughout Advent I have spoken the name Immanuel which means God with us.  The celebration of Christmas is because hope came in the form of a baby at Bethlehem long ago, and that baby was the incarnation of God.  By taking on human form, God in Christ experienced the struggles of mankind.  He saw life from the perspective of the poor and broken.  Hear His invitation, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."  (KJV, Matthew 11:28)

Yes, there are things in our lives that we would like to change.  Jesus knows our limitations, and he has compassion for us in our struggles.  Let's talk to Him about our needs and desires.  Let's take Him at His word to cast all our care upon Him.  I sincerely believe that "no man need stay the way he is." (Fosdick)  So, let us take a prayerful inventory of our lives, and then let us "tell it to Jesus."  The new year, therefore, can become a marker which denotes the things God will have done within us individually and corporately.

Mary and I wish for all of you a blessed and prosperous new year.  As we stand at the threshold of 2012, God is with us.  Immanuel..........

Your pastor,

Jim