2022 is in the history books! It was a tangle of viruses, politics, a wobbly economy, war, immigration, and relationships. The year may have left us with a limp and scars, but it’s time to move on and take the lessons learned with us. In the movie, “Up,” the young character, Ellie, says to her beloved, “Thanks for the adventure—now go get a new one.” And so we are catapulted into a new year with all of its fresh hopes, fears, and unknowns.
In the Christmas story, Mary’s and Joseph’s obedience to God led them to Egypt, the Wise Men were warned to go home by a different way, and the shepherds returned to their sheep with a new knowledge that changed everything. Likewise, with us the new year promises detours, unknowns, challenges, fresh wounds, and new loves. In 1939, when the Nazis began to march across Europe, King George VI of England addressed his subjects over the airwaves to offer words of encouragement at Christmas. He ended his address with these words from a 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.
“May that Almighty hand guide and uphold us all.”
So, bring it on! The hopes of peace, the love of new relationships, a crisis managed, disaster averted, missions accomplished, and sufferings endured. With all the assurance of the Holy Bible I can assure you God is still there as he was for Mary and Joseph. They raised their son, found an enduring marriage, returned to Nazareth, and so shall we.
—Stephen
