Dear Christian friends:
Happy new you! Yes, Art Linkletter, kids do say the darndest things. After listening to a few Christmas songs, Micah (age 2) began saying, “Happy new you!”
We deduced he meant “Happy new year!” But he got something right.
One author wrote:
The beginning of every year brings in new hope and enthusiasm. We look forward to a new beginning and hope things to improve from the last year. We like to forget about our pasts and its daunting memories and wish for a new start. Hence, New Year is celebrated with pomp and joy by every race around the world.
And Benjamin Franklin said:
Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man.
There is something about the New Year’s holiday where we focus on improving ourselves.
A 41 billion dollar industry can prove it. Happy New You!
We look to books and videos and seminars.
We look to motivational speakers and mentors and personal coaches.
Each New Year’s Eve we look forward to the new year with a gleam of self-improvement.
Weight loss, stop smoking, exercising…
Financial management, time management, stress management…
All the while, Sunday during the divine service the dream of your heart and the gleam of your eye is obtained. In the stead and by the command of my Lord, Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Happy New You! For you see, in that very moment you are new.
You don’t need to read books or watch videos or attend seminars.
You don’t need to listen to motivational speakers or find a mentor or hire a personal coach.
Christ forgives you and you are instantly new!
So as the clock strikes midnight and the new year begins, make your resolution.
Then become a new you and confess your sins!
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Maybe we should celebrate with pomp and joy and the excitement of the New Year’s countdown the next time we have Confession and Absolution.
Merry Christmas and Happy New You!
Pastor Hartwig