Happy New Year!

Well, another year comes to a close. Every New Year's Eve I remember with fondness a tradition practiced at my Grandparent's home. It was not uncommon for my Dad's parents to keep their five grandchildren (including me and my brother) overnight on New Year's Eve. While we thought this was a great tradition, it is only as an adult (and a parent) that I now realize that this thoughtful gesture was likely done each year in order to free our parents up to go out for New Years sans kiddies! Nevertheless, we kiddies did enjoy ourselves. The highlight of the evening for us cousins was to see who could make the most elaborate or ridiculous hat to wear at midnight. Using construction paper and lots of bows, ribbons and paper left over from the recent Christmas mayhem, we set about our task and then at midnight we would all rush out into the yard sporting our creations making as much commotion possible with noise makers, horns and cow bells! We indeed "rang" in the new year, and Granddaddy topped it all off with fireworks!

It is fitting to celebrate the start of a New Year, for it is by the grace of God that we start even a new day! And it gives us yet another opportunity to praise Him for the most awesome new beginning He's ever given us -- new life in Christ!! That new beginning can happen for us at any time. For many, it comes early as we are raised in godly homes and the Spirit calls us at a tender age. For others, God may choose the teen years, or midlife. The Lawson's dear neighbor and friend, Bob, is celebrating a new beginning at the end of his life. Struggling with cancer for years, he had been struggling against God for his whole life. But here at the closing of his earthly life, in what will likely be his death bed, he has experienced a glorious dawning! His life is in reality now just beginning!! David in his visits with Bob has remarked that since giving his life to Christ, Bob's entire countenance has changed! He exudes peacefulness, where before he was agitated. He is smiling, joyful and engaging with visitors, rather than closed, hesitant and downcast. At a time the world would say should be his saddest hour, Bob is radiant with hope, peace and joy!

Likewise for Jenice's father who's recent hospitalization for heart trouble has given her and others the opportunity to talk to him about his real "heart" trouble, his need for Christ! And God has graciously seen fit to draw this man to himself at the twilight of his days who has worshiped idols his whole life, namely the god of money. That is grace, my friends! Who but our loving God would offer salvation to one who has shaken his fist in His face for over 7o years? And who but our loving God can surprise the hopeless with joy, give peace to the tourmented soul, and hopeful anticipation, not dread, in the face of death?

THAT'S the power of the Gospel! THAT'S the "foolishness" that the world mocks, but we know is the ONLY reality -- that we were dead in our sins, but Christ died for us and was raised from the grave that we might have eternal life! Not just that we might experience life after death, but experience the things of God's in this life -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control!

So, friends, Happy New Year, and may it be merry as we praise God for His abounding grace and mercy, love and forgiveness, hope and renewing power! I can't wait to see what God does in our midst in 2009! Just look at how he has blessed the close of 2008 with these two amazing miracles, like fireworks of celebration! Thanks be to GOD!