All Things New!

Happy New Year, this week we will consider text from the Old Testament that speak to us of renewing and renewal.

We start with Isaiah 43:18-19

 

“Forget the former things;
    do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.”

In the Prophecies of Isaiah, we can find wisdom that has lasted the passing of time and is more than relevant for the present age. As we move into 2023 with all that the world has passed through in recent years. But what is this new thing that Isaiah promises. I wonder what this new year would say if it could speak, perhaps it would be something like this.

I am the New Year. I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.

I am your next chance at the art of living. I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the last twelve months.

All that you sought and didn’t find is hidden in me, waiting for you to search it but with more determination.

All the good that you tried for and didn’t achieve is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires.

All that you dreamed but didn’t dare to do, all that you hoped but did not will, all the faith that you claimed but did not have—these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of a strong purpose.

I am your opportunity to renew your allegiance to Him who said, “Behold, I make all things new.” 

On this edge of years

the crossroads between past and future

we come as who we have been

and offer you who we might yet be

Take this offering of ourselves

a new promise to be your people here

holding a renewed vision of your reign here

Take this

take us

that we might be light

and follow you anew

as we journey across borders of time

and find new years 

new places

to be your renewed people. Amen.