Christmas has come and gone and now our thoughts turn to the next
significant holiday of this season, New Year’s Day. Let’s forget about the parties
and gatherings that may occur on New Year’s Eve. Instead, think about the full
meaning of the New Year.
Despite all of the electronic gadgets that we may possess like smart phones,
tablets, e-readers, computer generated games, let alone computers in and of
themselves; we may have forgotten about a basic teaching tool that has been used
in many a classroom, the chalk board. Early versions of these boards were made
from slate. Many of us may have had the task of not only erasing what had been
written on these boards, but wiping them off for their next use.
The New Year marks a time to start with a clean slate. Put aside unfulfilled
intentions, regrets for things not done or unkind words spoken. Part of starting
with a clean slate is to truly keep the resolutions that we have or may make as we
begin the New Year.
I would hope and pray that you might consider the ways in which you can be
more faithful to what God has called you to do: joining regularly with His church
family in worship and prayer; making time to spend some moments reading His
word; reaching out to those whose needs are going unmet; extending a welcoming
invitation to your neighbors and friends to join you in worship.
Certainly, the opportunities and the list could continue. I entrust that each of
you will start with your own clean slate.
Pastor Nik
