Preparing for New

In preparation for the New Year, the Christmas decorations have been taken down and stored for another year.  We have cleaned, organized, and stored other things in order to help with the process.  Larry even mowed the green grass that is continuing to grow, in order for the yard to be ready for spring. 

This is one of my favorite weeks as I get ready for the beginning of a brand new year.  The address list has been updated, the Christmas gift list for next year has been started, the Bible study reading plan has been chosen, the new calendar has events and appointments filled in, and the budget is being finalized.  We have been blessed to be able to spend lots of time with family and have a change of pace for a few days.

As we prepare for a new year, it is also a time to renew goals for spiritual, physical, and mental growth.  Setting priorities sometimes means saying “No” or “Not now” to some good things so that the “Better” and “Best” things can be accomplished.  It’s time to eliminate some practices, redefine some, and add others.  C. S. Lewis reminds us that, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”  And when you know the One who makes all things new, you don’t have to wait for a new year to start over.  Every day has a new beginning.  And we even have an extra day in 2016!  It’s a great time to remind ourselves that…

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

Psalm 98:1

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:26

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds;  and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:22-24

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.

I Peter 1:3-4a