Happy New Year, Peace and God’s Blessings to one and all. We hope you had a wonderful Christmas. For those who did not make it to our Christmas Eve service, Wow! You missed out because the youth and children of Haven UMC did a terrific job with the pageant on the story of the babe at the Inn. There will be photos on the website to look at from the Christmas Eve service. The Haven UMC Choir sounded angelic as they sang. There was even a write up in the Verde Valley newspaper on the front page with photos.
So this is the beginning of a New Year (2013) for everyone. And as we look into the future year of what we are expecting out of ourselves and others, we need to remember to turn to Jesus Christ and to continue with prayers of peace and blessings and asking forgiveness for all our sins. Blessed are you who hear the word of God and follow it where it leads. Doing so, you will be like the servant who, when the master comes, is found doing right.
Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, and your joy will be full.
Below is a poem I found on another web site that I thought was appropriate for this column. It is used with permission of the writer;
New Year With The Lord
A new year is about to unfold
With new opportunities to explore
Doors will open for new experiences,
New adventures with the Lord
Remember not the former things,
The things of this past year,
The Lord will do new things in us
Much more than we are aware
For He will make a way for us
As we put our trust in Him
And He will guide our every step
By His presence we have within
What God has placed within our hearts,
We find we’ll be able to do
If we look for the opportunities,
We’ll see the door to go through
We mustn’t let anything hold us back
But rise up and take our place
And be all that God wants us to be
With a fresh touch of His grace
© By M.S.Lowndes
Used with permission
Be in peace this coming year and let nothing stand in the way of your belief in God, the Holy Spirit and in your Savior Jesus Christ.
Michael.