Dear Friends
Some years ago one of our sons was given a voucher for himself and a guest to attend a photographic makeover, and he invited his Mum! When the Christmas festivities are over and the days are dark and dreary many of us might feel that we would like a makeover. Perhaps some are prompted to try a different hairstyle or to revamp their wardrobe following a visit to the January sales. Others may want to give their homes a new look with anything from a fresh coat of paint to a new kitchen or bathroom. Some people want to go beyond cosmetic changes in their lives to address a bad habit they want to ‘kick’ or to adopt a more healthy lifestyle – hence all those new year resolutions.
In the Church, as we go forward into the new year, we trace the story of Jesus from his birth in Bethlehem through his earthly life and ministry, his death and resurrection and his ascension into heaven. We read in the gospels of the disciples whom Jesus called to follow him. One of the best known stories is of the fishermen, Peter and Andrew, James and John. They left their nets to follow Jesus. We can be disciples of Jesus too, for he calls us all to follow him. That will mean leaving behind anything that gets in the way of our relationship with God or which hinders us from following Jesus wholeheartedly. For some the challenge seems too great, but for those who respond to Jesus’ call there is great joy in knowing that he is with us always. The assurance of forgiveness enables us to put past sins and failures behind us and to step out into a new life with Jesus. This is an altogether richer and more joyful life than before. When the going gets tough, as it does from time to time, we have the gift of the Holy Spirit to empower and strengthen us. The Holy Spirit also shows us those areas in our lives that need to change. Through this power at work in us we can experience a complete change of heart and mind, not just a cosmetic change, but something deep within. This is far better than a makeover, or a new outfit or changing the décor of our homes.
New year resolutions tend to get broken pretty quickly. Sometimes people who have responded to Jesus’ call turn back from following him, especially when it becomes hard to be a disciple. On one occasion Jesus asked his disciples if they wanted to turn back and Peter said, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Those words came into my mind once, a good many years ago, when I was going through a crisis of faith and felt that I couldn’t go on being a Christian. Once you have met Jesus there is no-one else to go to. So I hung on in there and discovered that God’s hold on my life is firm and strong, even when my faith falters.
In this coming year, whatever other changes you plan to make, can I urge you to respond to the call of Jesus and to allow the Holy Spirit to work in you whatever changes are needful to help you to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, and to discover the deep joy that being a disciple brings.
Some years ago one of our sons was given a voucher for himself and a guest to attend a photographic makeover, and he invited his Mum! When the Christmas festivities are over and the days are dark and dreary many of us might feel that we would like a makeover. Perhaps some are prompted to try a different hairstyle or to revamp their wardrobe following a visit to the January sales. Others may want to give their homes a new look with anything from a fresh coat of paint to a new kitchen or bathroom. Some people want to go beyond cosmetic changes in their lives to address a bad habit they want to ‘kick’ or to adopt a more healthy lifestyle – hence all those new year resolutions.
In the Church, as we go forward into the new year, we trace the story of Jesus from his birth in Bethlehem through his earthly life and ministry, his death and resurrection and his ascension into heaven. We read in the gospels of the disciples whom Jesus called to follow him. One of the best known stories is of the fishermen, Peter and Andrew, James and John. They left their nets to follow Jesus. We can be disciples of Jesus too, for he calls us all to follow him. That will mean leaving behind anything that gets in the way of our relationship with God or which hinders us from following Jesus wholeheartedly. For some the challenge seems too great, but for those who respond to Jesus’ call there is great joy in knowing that he is with us always. The assurance of forgiveness enables us to put past sins and failures behind us and to step out into a new life with Jesus. This is an altogether richer and more joyful life than before. When the going gets tough, as it does from time to time, we have the gift of the Holy Spirit to empower and strengthen us. The Holy Spirit also shows us those areas in our lives that need to change. Through this power at work in us we can experience a complete change of heart and mind, not just a cosmetic change, but something deep within. This is far better than a makeover, or a new outfit or changing the décor of our homes.
New year resolutions tend to get broken pretty quickly. Sometimes people who have responded to Jesus’ call turn back from following him, especially when it becomes hard to be a disciple. On one occasion Jesus asked his disciples if they wanted to turn back and Peter said, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Those words came into my mind once, a good many years ago, when I was going through a crisis of faith and felt that I couldn’t go on being a Christian. Once you have met Jesus there is no-one else to go to. So I hung on in there and discovered that God’s hold on my life is firm and strong, even when my faith falters.
In this coming year, whatever other changes you plan to make, can I urge you to respond to the call of Jesus and to allow the Holy Spirit to work in you whatever changes are needful to help you to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, and to discover the deep joy that being a disciple brings.
With all good wishes for the coming year Glynis Hetherington
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