by Rev. Fr. Chacko K.Y., Melbourne

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

We have arrived at the threshold of another New Year. I join you in thanking the Lord for bringing us safely to the start of a fresh beginning. The thought of 'entering' a New Year is a special time because it presents us with second chances and fresh starts. Some of us may be sad with memories of loved ones who have passed away; missed opportunities; financial difficulties and other hardships. However, New Year is a time when we look forward with renewed hope. As Isaiah 43:18 says "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past."

New Year is a time of new resolutions for most of us. We must take time to remember the greatest resolution ever made. St John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life". God resolved not to leave us in our sinful state, but to send us Jesus so that we could know of the love of God. God sent His Son into the world so that our sins would be forgiven.

A new year will have come upon us. But "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8). We need to ensure that we reach out to Christ this year by putting our complete faith in Him. We need to make the Holy Bible be the anchor and standard of our lives and families.

As we go ahead with our busy lives in the New Year, we need to stop for a moment and think about where we are going to put our trust in?

Psalms 125:1 "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever." Trusting in the Lord provides steadfastness and perseverance

Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Trusting in the Lord will give us peace.

Psalms 56:11 "In God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?" Trusting in the Lord will give us the strength to preserve through any difficulty.

When we accept Christ, we become a new creation in the Spirit. This new creation marks a new beginning in our spiritual life. As Isaiah 61:7 promises, we will receive a double portion of blessings when we truly believe in God.

I wish you all a blessed and prosperous New Year.