The name of our month, January, comes from the Roman god Janus, who had two faces, one looking forward and the other looking back. If we think about it, the dawning of a new year should make us look back as well as forward. For some of us, the old year brought sadness and regret, for others gratitude for its teachings and blessings.
We ask ourselves, how do we approach this new year, full of promise and uncertainty? Our faith teaches us that we should approach every new event with a determination that no matter what God is present in our lives. Nice words, but what do they mean?
Perhaps, as we center our lives in God, so God’s life will be centered in us, giving us the strength to tackle anything that comes, even when our attempts end in failure. As we think about the year that was, we can learn from what didn’t work as well as what did. In their choice of a deity reflecting a new year, the Romans understood this. May we learn from our past to live into a new future.
Prayer for the Day
Holy One, ever present in our lives, we come at a time of confusion
Afraid not only of the world around us, but of where our questions can lead us,
Like a ship without a rudder on a vast and open sea, we flail about,
For we know old answers no longer apply and we find ourselves adrift.
Hold us in your heart, Merciful One, like an anchor
Grounding us in your steadfast love and care.
In the name of the One who lived to bring us hope,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will.
- Jonathan Edwards, American theologian (1703-1758)
Make New Year goals. Dig within and discover what you would like to have happen in this year to come. This helps to do your part. It is an affirmation that you’re interested in fully living life in this year to come.
- Melody Beattie, American author
Lord, you have been our dwelling place for all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth,
From everlasting to everlasting, you are God.
Psalm 90 1-2