Jesus Is King, Yesterday Today and Forever - Welcome to 2025

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” (Psalm 40:1-3).

Every January we get excited about another new year and the chance to start again. As the days turn into weeks, it matters little as to whether or not the previous year was full of success or happiness, or tragedy and sorrow. For me, even though it was full of all of these and more, there can be no denying that with a new year comes a great sense of freshness and excitement of what is to come.

As the great Oswald Chambers said, “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.” So true.

Yet, even as I write these words, I still find that the years move on so quickly. If only the Christmas period could slow down, just a bit. Hmmmm, then what would I do? Would I spend more? Do more? Worry more? Laugh more? Exercise more? Sleep more? More time on social media perhaps. Would I actually slow down and think more on the state of my life, my soul, my family or even the future? As much as I want to believe I would do those things that would produce greater fruit in my life, experience tells me I would more than likely do exactly as I have always done.

Have you ever actually wondered what is the purpose or object of another new year? C.K. Chesterton, says, “The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul.”

For me, that statement is worth reflecting on. It implies we need to change from the inside out; that the state of our souls grows tired and weary over time. Ask anyone. In fact, why not ask yourself the question, “What is the state of my soul? Does it need renewing?”

So, we are about three weeks into another new year. Another moment of faith and trust awaits us. If I have learnt anything about both over the years, it is simply that faith insists on trusting in the future promises of God, and then waiting for their fulfilment. So maybe for all of us a new song is required!

Yours reminding myself that only God can truly change things.

Rev. Ian Barnett (Acting Rector)