Ray Scribner

I can’t remember when so much has disturbed our lives in just a few short months, and has brought so much darkness into the world, as is the case with all of 2020 and the first days of 2021. Truly, our world is not the same as it was last January. So many people have died from the pandemic (and it hurts to see the numbers increase each day). At other times, when people have come together to observe a holiday or some special event, suddenly a riot beaks out, and our joy is plunged into darkness again.

Once again, I’m reminded of the first verses of the Gospel of John, where the author (John) says of Jesus: “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.”

Jesus Christ, who is the true light of our lives, gives us light that never grows dim, and never goes dark. Psalm 36:9 reads: “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.”

Because of Jesus and our faith in Him, we can look forward to the remaining weeks and months of 2021, knowing that whatever happens next will not overcome us. Yes, there will be difficult days ahead (there always are). But, let us take to heart the words of the following Prayer for the New Year:

“Give us the kindness to hear with compassion, to offer support, loving comfort and care. Give us the courage to do what is needed, the wisdom to choose what is right and most fair. Give us the vision to see what is possible. Give us the faith that will help pave the way for a present that’s hopeful, a future that’s peaceful. Give us the heart to bring joy to each day.”

Amen.

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