Read Luke 2:41-52

Each day the world, the nation, the community, the family, you and I, hopefully, will truly rejoice and be glad in it?  At the time when this chapter was written, it was December 31, a milestone in the lives of people who celebrate the last day of the Gregorian calendar.  Annually, many reflect on the year’s trials and tribulations; successes and victories; doors that were closed and opened.  You may reflect on displayed attitudes and behaviors; life, love, and legacy of a loved one; experiences of new life, healing, and reconciliation.  You, also, may reflect on challenges and opportunities; old and new friends; old and new enemies; needs and desires.

Likewise, on December 31, many contemplate the proposed content and context of their lives for the next year – make  pledges, promises or resolutions to give up addictions; be more faithful; stop procrastinating; be more loving.  Some make resolutions to stay out of the malls; learn to set boundaries; stop being selfish; get out of debt.  Others make resolutions to study more and better; finish projects; save more; let go baggage from the past and present – even people.  Still others make resolutions to tithe; increase devotion time; and, seek guidance from God.

Speak your own prayer!  Speak your promise!  Speak your resolution!

We all have issues that need to be evaluated and re-evaluated in order to move on in our lives.  We all want to have a better life – a life more abundantly.  We all want to change.  We want a fresh start!  But, while people are resolving this or resolving that, some plan to celebrate the events that become history and the anticipated events that become the future.  At the break of a new year, people sing the song, “Auld Lang Syne” which means “times gone by.”

Celebrating and “bringing in” the New Year is a tradition of most nations over many years; and, it seems that everyone looks forward to gathering in places with persons of like interests to welcome the New Year.  Almost all participate – the young, the old; the rich, the poor; the religious, the non-religious; male, female; various races, ethnicities and nationalities.  Technology enables the world to see people in other parts of the globe celebrate and usher in the New Year.  Yes, the occasion brings remembrance of the past and hopes for the future.  Yet, how can we view our interactions through the life experience of a family existing under oppression and living from day to day?

Prior to bringing in the New Year with zest and zeal, Christians celebrated the birth of Jesus and the gift of God to all people.  Christians celebrated all of the expectations and blessing that Christ, Immanuel, brings!  Has there been a disconnection between the celebrations of the birth of Jesus Christ from the celebrations of the New Year?

What are your thoughts?  Comment.