Every year a new year greets us with promise. Each year brings new chance, new possibilities, and new options.

New Year’s resolutions to change ourselves to greet the new year with a better us. What did those first believers look for?

Our service today spoke to the promise of a new hope. A new beginning, but one built on the past. One built on the belief that our past can offer a new hope for better tomorrow.

The Wise men brought gifts to the new baby as we bring our own gifts to the new year. They believed that the promise of all that was to come was worth the risk and effort of their journey. They felt the strength of the prophecy that new life and new beginnings were promised.

“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

They believed that they were coming to honour that promise and to set the path to the future. They protected that future by heeding the dream to return home by a different road. Each year is a new journey. We make ready to journey into the new year with faith and a belief in the promise of our Lord but no fear.

Standing at the portal
Of the opening year,
Words of comfort meet us,
Hushing every fear;
Spoken thru the silence
By our Savior’s voice,
Tender, strong and faithful,
Making us rejoice.

 Let us remember those who are facing new beginnings ,let our faith and support be the strength of their portal

May our belief provide the guide for our new year, let the promise be our resolution.

God's blessing for 2017.

Noral R.