Brothers and Sisters
I don’t know about you, but I always get a little bit of energy at the beginning of a new year. However many times people tell me that the 1st of January is just another day, there is something about that brand new year that sets my brain to thinking about planning in new ways, making new starts and of course, New Year’s resolutions. It reminds me of the excitement of getting a new jotter in primary school with that pristine first page, and the determination to do my very best handwriting.
God understands the power of new beginnings and offers it through forgiveness of sin and the opportunity to repent: to turn away from old ways and into new paths. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old is gone, the new is here.” Every year, either in early January or September, Methodists hold the Covenant service that reminds us of that new beginning, re-promising to God all that we have and all that we are.
Yet this year has been different. We looked hopefully to 2021, and of course, it is likely that the ending of the year will be better, but just now it seems harder than ever. The numbers are going up, the NHS is under unprecedented pressure, we know people who have died or been very ill because of COVID and yet when we do go out, there are still people taking risks, not just with their own health, but with ours. It is hard.
I find myself turning again to that well-trodden, well-loved passage in the 23rd Psalm. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil. For you are with me, your rod and staff they comfort me…Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of God for ever.”
This Psalm is believed to be written by King David either when he was hiding from Saul who wanted to kill him before he became king, or from his own son Absalom who wanted to kill him and take the throne. He was probably in a cave, locked down, afraid to go out. Yet he could still write that he believed God was with him, even in the dark times, even if he died. The year will get better, but we are in for more valley before we get to climb to the peaks. In the valley it is dark, and sometimes frightening, but God is with us and all valleys end and all paths start to move upwards towards the sun. As we step forward in hope this new year, let us keep the faith, obeying the stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives rules; remembering the advice to take extra vitamin D(*) while we are not able to be outside as much and looking out for those of our neighbours who may struggling.
The God who spreads a table in the presence of our enemies will not forget to bring us through to a time when we can once more have pot-luck lunches, Harvest Suppers and faith teas. 2021 is a year of hope, but it is longed for and journeyed towards not given to us with a bang on an arbitrary date. In the meantime, stay safe, know you are loved and till we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
God bless
Vicci (Revd Vicci Davidson Circuit Superintendent)
(*) Public Health England: Statement from PHE and NICE on vitamin D supplementation during winter. Notices for week commencing Sunday 24 January 2021
And finally, a lovely hymn from Singing the Faith 409):
Let us build a house where hands will reach
beyond the wood and stone
to heal and strengthen, serve and teach,
and live the Word they've known.
Here the outcast and the stranger
bear the image of God's face;
let us bring an end to fear and danger:
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.
( Well you certainly will be when we are open!!)