Wishing You Happy New Year!

This is the time of year in which our well-wishes turn from Christmas to New Years. We have spent this past month of December wishing everyone a "Very Merry Christmas!" Now with the turning of the calendar, our sentiments are expressed as wishes for a "Happy and Prosperous New Year!" The dictionary defines a wish as "a desire or hope for something to happen." We bless others with a positive wish for good things to come to our family and friends. This is the often repeated expression of the New Year.

Making New Year's Wishes!
Image Credit: depositphotos.com

The other evening, we heard something different about wishes while streaming the latest super hero film, Wonder Woman 1984!  Warning! This could be a "spoiler alert" for those who have yet to view WW84! The two-and-a-half hour action-packed adventure is based upon the ninth installment in the DC Extended Universe and features the comic series character Wonder Woman. The ending has a suspenseful conclusion as many of the characters are almost prayerfully "renouncing" their wishes! Like Forrest Gump says, "That's all I have to say about that!"

The matter of renouncing a wish is quite contradictory to the spirit of both Christmas and New Year's. Why would any of us recant or want to retract our wishes for a better life for our families, friends and the world? In the early weeks of the new year, many of us will turn our yearnings into promises or resolutions that cover such areas as personal health, family concerns, global stability, and the like. There are a lot of unsettled issues in so many aspects of our lives. We need a reset and a re-commitment to a "new normal." Well thought out resolutions with some accountability built-in can be helpful.

There are some lessons that we can learn from all the adversities of change, loss, and isolation. We still need to invest time and effort in strengthening our relational connections. We are always stronger linked to each other! We have had a lot of time to think about what's important and have been convinced that we can do with a lot less! The chaos of an election year has given us opportunity to think about the kind of world we want for our children and grandchildren. There is a lot of work that needs to be done with public health issues, social justice and what will contribute to "a more perfect union!"

This year has been a tough one for sure as we have tried to deal with the COVID-19 Pandemic. Popular author and activist, Marianne Williamson, reminds us that in "Every ending comes a new beginning. Through the grace of God, we can always start again." We are ready to turn the corner from the negatives of this past year and look forward with great anticipation to a better if not entirely new normal in 2021. We need that new beginning! Let's remember that God is still in control and promises, "I am making everything new!" (Revelation 21:5).

May each of you experience God's infinite blessings throughout 2021! Wishing You Happy New Year!!

Mike Keppler, retired pastor, 
active churchman and
doting grandparent. 
Contact: drmjkeppler@gmail.com


Footnote to the Season... If you have some extra time for reading, here's a bonus article that was written a couple of years ago for a denominational news journal. It offers suggestions from the story of Simeon on "Avoiding a Christmas Letdown." Just copy and paste the link into your web browser to open.

https://illinoisbaptist.org/avoiding-christmas-letdown-lessons-from-simeons-song/

Comments

  1. The DuckwilersDecember 30, 2020 at 4:24 PM

    Thanks for your New Year wishes. I have been thinking about Simeon and how his desire was to see Jesus before his passing. I am really excited about what's happening at our Church. Before my passing which could happen anytime between now and my 140th birthday, (I'm only 84), my wish or desire is to see our Church abound and reach many for Jesus in Northeast Springfield. I believe this will happen in the not too distant future (if we can just get this pandemic out of the way). Take care, stay healthy and look forward to good opportunities ahead.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike KepplerDecember 30, 2020 at 4:52 PM

      There are people to reach everywhere! Yes, let's knock this Covid-19 in the head!!

      Delete

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