Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.   2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

Remember the anticipation of Christmas as a child?  And looking through toy catalogs with longing?  Now, I love seeing the excitement on my grandchildren’s faces over a new toy.  I recall how I felt when the anticipation finally became reality.

Then came New Year’s Day.  As a child, that meant Christmas break was almost over.  I didn’t look forward with anticipation to a new year like I had Christmas.

As I grew older, I began to understand why a new year was something to anticipate.  It symbolized a fresh start.  There’s something about taking down the old calendar and replacing it with a new one that makes us think the bad things are past and the future holds better things.

Realistically, though, it doesn’t make a lot of sense.  January is just the next month after December.  But with the word “New,” and adding another digit to the year, it does seem different.

Often when the word “new” is used in the Bible, it signifies major differences.  It wasn’t just a new, tangible thing.  It represented a big change.

For instance, when Christ came, He began a New Covenant.  We no longer have to live by the old covenant of offering blood sacrifices.  The blood Christ shed on the cross for us means we have eternal forgiveness of sins and we can approach His throne boldly without going through a priest.

When we accept Him as Savior, we become a new creation.  Our souls are redeemed and we are no longer bound by sin.

And then the ultimate “new.”  One day there will be a new heaven and a new earth.  As believers, we will live in a new home, not made by hands, in an eternal place free from worry, pain and death.

So yes, New Year’s Day can make us feel like we have a fresh start, a chance to do things better.  And we should strive to draw closer to God every day.  But even if we feel like we are still struggling with the same old things, God will be with us for each new day.  His compassion and mercy is new each morning.

But my biggest longing, the one day I anticipate the most, is the day when I will have a new body, a new home and a new day that lasts forever.  That Day when anticipation becomes reality.

“Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.  I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”  He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”     Revelation 21:1-5  NIV

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for making all things new!  As another new year begins, help me live each day for you.  May I continually have a new song in my heart to sing to You, no matter what comes my way.  I trust in You because I know that Your mercies are new every morning, and nothing ahead of me will take You by surprise.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.     

This blog appeared on Encouragement Cafe  1/7/16