Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Malcolm Strange's New Year Greeting

Happy New Year

As you read this article the echo of that greeting will have faded, the empty bottles will have been put out for collection (recycling I hope), the party popper streams cleared up, the final cold turkey consumed and fancy nibbles safely tucked away inside our tummies! The celebrations are over and a New Year has begun. What will the New Year bring I wonder?
Well you don’t have to be a prophet to know that Brexit and Trump will dominate the headlines, with political posturing being at the forefront of negotiations and rhetoric, like some kind of ritual performed by strident males looking for a mate or cock birds showing off their plumage in a courting dance to attract the attention of a disinterested female. Sadly, in the political world very little changes, there is very little reflection on the mistakes of the past, just excuses and buck passing!
If I dare, lets forget the international stage for a moment and just reflect on ourselves. New Year is a time for new beginnings, drawing a line in the sand as it were, a fresh page and a new start. We reflect on the old and embrace the new in away which goes well beyond the trivia of New Years resolutions so easily broken.
Ironically this annual ritual of reflection that many engage in is somewhat Christian in its nature, in that it reflects what is at the heart of the ‘Christian Faith’ and the story we celebrate at both Christmas and Easter. God forgives and loves his creation and all he asks in return is that we reflect that same love to each other and by doing so become a transformed people. As Christians we reflect on what we get wrong, lay it at the foot of the cross and then strive to walk in the light of the Gospel.
It has been said the main purpose of the Church is to be; ‘A People of Forgiven Sinners’. If you have messed up and hurt someone there is no greater joy than to know you have been forgiven by them, to receive that loving embrace that says it is ok, the experience is quite liberating. Christians believe that through Christ, God imparts spiritual forgiveness and amazingly it is freely available for all. Now that’s what I call good news.
So as you reflect on what this ‘New Year’ holds for you take a few moments to consider what needs letting go off in your life, what is holding you back from embracing the new with a renewed hope. Be prepared to draw a line in the sand, say sorry, let go and be prepared to forgive yourself. Remember the love shared in the Christmas story and take heart that ‘To all and to each where regret is real, God pronounces pardon and grants us the right to begin again’. Happy New Year.
Revd Malcolm Strange
Rector of the Fromeside Benefice

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