A Very Good Year

Someone has said, “An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in, and a pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” -1 And this morning, no matter which best describes you, I’m hoping you will join me in saying, “so far, 2017 has been a very good year!”

Were January merely the thirteenth month, its first day would not be terribly significant. But the opening up of a new year is a psychological cleaning of the slate for many of us. Not only do we enjoy special New Year’s events as part of the holidays, but also we make resolutions to be carried out in the year about to begin.

The New Year’s Resolution tradition has taken some twists and turns over the years. For example, today, there exists an organization that will firmly resolve NOT to make any New Year’s Resolutions. However, for us, who gather together in Jesus’ Name, it is a good day for making…