January 2007
CLEAN BLACKBOARDS
The Christmas season so often goes by like a
whirlwind; this year has been no exception. Much has
happened over the course of the last year, we have
shared together joys and sorrows. We have laughed and
we have cried; but in all, God has been with us and
many of us have sensed His presence in new and
exciting ways.
It’s hard to believe that New Years is upon us again.
Why is it that I can’t think about New Years without
having New Years resolutions come to mind? I can’t
begin to count the number of those resolutions that I
have made in the years. I really doubt if any of us
can; except, of course, those of you who seldom or
never make them. For those of us who do, making
resolutions seems to be so much easier this time of
year. Could it be that there is something about the
“new” in New Years that offers us the opportunity for
a fresh start – a new beginning? New Years is like
coming into a classroom after the blackboards have
all been wiped and washed clean; ready to be used
again free of the marks of the past.
You know, it’s the same way with sin. Each sin, each
willful act we commit, in defiance to what we know God
would have us do, adds mark after mark on the
blackboard of our lives. Those marks accumulate and
darken our souls and make it so very hard for us to
sense God’s presence and love for us.
Yet it was out of God’s great love for us that His
Son came into the world as a helpless baby wrapped in
swaddling cloths; forced to be born in a manger
because no one had room for him. The glory of the Most
High set low. By no means did He have to; but out of
love He wanted too. It really kind of sets the stage
for the rest of his life and ministry. Yet this man,
who was wholly God, offered love and compassion and
forgiveness to all who would receive it, regardless of
any person’s social or moral standing.
Isn’t it wonderful that the same is true today? All
we have to do is to accept that gift of love found in
Jesus Christ; that gift that’s offered freely to all,
regardless of who we are or what we’ve done or where
we’ve been. What a blessing it is that God is ready
and willing to give us a fresh start; the opportunity
to wash clean the blackboard of our lives through the
atoning work of His Son. And what an added bonus it is
to have the Spirit of God – the Holy Spirit – living
in us when we do; giving us the power to keep that
blackboard clean.
As we ponder the resolutions of this New Year, let us
take hold of the opportunity; let us resolve to allow
God to wash us clean and keep us that way though the
Spirit of God that empowers us. Let us make it our
priority to continually walk in close proximity – ever
in the presence of Almighty God – though Jesus Christ
our Lord.
Have a blessed New Year.
Grace and Peace, The Rev. Rob Hughes
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O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing