I know that I’m probably repeating myself because every year at this time I feel the same way- as the glow of Christmas fades, and the excitement of the New Year's transition dulls, the reality of our reality sinks back in. The letdown is palpable. Shorter days, colder nights and a long stretch until Spring and the next routine-busting celebration, the Easter holiday. January always feels like the longest month, and while February is short, it is rarely sweet. Friends and family depart, generosity of the spirit, as well as the temporal, slacken. Feasting turns to fasting, and the sacred morphs back into business as usual. The gratuitous goodwill that is so obvious during the holidays is harder to find, after the calendar resets to the New Year, and the needs of our brothers and sisters seem to vanish from our consciousness. If we’re not mindful, God can disappear too. I’ll keep this brief because the message in the attached song is the best way that I know how to express it- “Happy New Year.” The Christmas lights may be coming down, but God is still around. Every day, it’s okay.
In Mathew 28, Jesus makes His point and His promise succinctly: "I am with you always, to the end of the age."
So, let’s keep living in hope in the New Year. Let’s resolve to keep our eyes peeled for whatever glimmers of light shine through the difficulties of our own dark days. And let’s create a little light of our own, for our brothers and sisters who are looking too. The song pairing is “Happy New Year.” Special thanks to Clark Lampard for the “angel's bell” that propels this song into the universe at its conclusion; to my church family, who graciously lent their voices to this recording, and to Sven-Erik Seaholm, for his production magic. Happy New Year and keep walking in the light!
Happy New Year
The streets are quiet
the Christmas lights are coming down
all is quiet but it’s okay
He’s still around
In the beginning
first, there was light
then He breathed a breath
then, there was life
Happy New Year
every day, it’s okay
Happy New Year
every day, it’s okay
Broken dreams and the pain
that comes from living life
misguided schemes
that never seem to work out right
Come with me
down to the table
where there is life
and everyone is always able
Happy New Year
every day, it’s okay
Happy New Year
every day, it’s okay
The streets are quiet
the Christmas lights are coming down
all is quiet but it’s okay
He’s still around…
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