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A Happy New Year! You've heard all about 'New Year's' resolutions!?We look forward to Christmas for months. We celebrate & move through the Christmas season with a [usually] joy-filled spirit -- and then someone asks us: "What are your New Year's resolutions?" Was the previous year so bad that one has to radically change something -- or, don't most people work at making each new day a bit better than the last? -- I think when it is within our means -- that's what we do! But, there certainly is a lot 'beyond our means'! The biblical stories about Jesus as a newborn child tell us about some elderly people who spent their days in prayer or in the Temple of Jerusalem. They eagerly awaited God to fulfill His promise of a Saviour! Their names were Simeon -- a faithful man, and Anna, a prophet. Things weren't good for the Jewish people under Roman rule, and things weren't good spiritually among the people of God. I believe their anxiety over the freeing of Israel and Jerusalem was both a political and spiritual concern. -- These people could only pray for a better time -- for themselves, and for their nation ... Many of us are able to control large parts of our existence -- but employmnet, wealth, freedom and world peace are best also prayed about -- because they aren't really in our 'control'. It always fascinates me to read about Simeon and Anna because despite their advanced age and 'hope beyond all reason' God also heard their prayers and let them see the Saviour! Perhaps the best 'New Year's' resolution any of us can make is to talk with God more often. We all know the practice of prayer can take many forms -- being very formal and ritualistic -- to just opening our heart and mind to listen to God and spontaneously responding to what one senses God is saying or doing in our life! Why not choose what works for you -- and choose to pray in any way that works at that moment, whether you are driving or sitting quietly in church or in the park ... I believe too many people make New Year's resolutions they can't keep. Experts quoted on radio say one usually misunderstands the strength and will-power needed to keep them! In contrast, prayer doesn't require strength -- just honesty! Simeon and Anna were getting old. They had a lot of living experience. They knew no king or emperor, general or prophet could improve the lives of their neighbours and nation! They needed a Saviour! A miracle! They prayed for God's help -- and God heard their prayers -- as God so often does, and God sent God's Son to them! Have a great and blessed New Year! Work at it. Walk hand in hand with God.
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