At the beginning of every year, I share this poem by Minnie Louise Haskins:
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”
And he replied:
“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”
So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.
And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.
New beginnings always give us a new opportunity to reflect on our lives and begin anew. As a new year begins, I pray most of all for all of us that we will put our hand into the hand of God. We long for light, and the true light is found only in God, who came right into the darkness of the world in the birth of Jesus. Until he returns, there will still be darkness in the world, and we will still have struggles in our lives. But he is leading the way and lighting the way. No matter what darkness is upon us or in this world. How will you put your hand in his, trodding into life, with all its joys and challenges, into the world with its many troubles, into your own heart and spiritual practice, into your relationships and actions? Every day and every step. The world is in need of light. Holding God’s hand, we can be that light. What new way will YOU seek and share God’s light in 2019?
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. -John 1:5
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43
Peace,
Pastor Christi
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