January 2007 Tidings Edition
05/01/07 20:07 | Permalink
As of this writing I have been reading Colossians 3: 12-17, the epistle lesson for the last Sunday (and last day) of 2006. New Year’s Eve is often a time when people declare resolutions for the year ahead. In this spirit of resolution, we can hear Paul’s guidance to the Colossians: let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. In our recovery from the stress of the season, we hear this gentle word of wisdom. We humbly acknowledge that Jesus Christ, whose birth we have celebrated, is the Lord of all things; therefore, let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Sometimes we begin a new year with grand intentions to, for instance, read the entire Bible from cover to cover. In early January we crash and burn somewhere in Leviticus. No need to despair. Paul indicates that what God wants from us is to allow the word of Christ—some parable, some teaching, some fragment of good news—to dwell in us, so that it may take root. Sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to God. We offer praise to God for the miracle of new birth and new life. Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.
As we be begin a new year, in the civic and church calendars, we aspire to live as Jesus lives, to be his presence in the world. The incarnation, God taking human form, becomes a reality as we live in peace, as the scripture dwells in us and changes us, as we offer praise, as we follow the One who is the word made flesh, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).
As you begin the new year, please see the schedule in this newsletter for the proposed Lenten/Easter spiritual journey experience that is planned for Wednesday nights beginning February 7 (after the Saints win the Super Bowl). May the gifts of God’s peace and transforming power be yours as we journey forth into 2007.
 
Yours in Christ,
Rick