New Year, new hope?
2020 has been been so hard and no-one knows quite what lies ahead in 2021 as the coming of the vaccines and signing into law of the Brexit trade agreement bring light at the end of the tunnel amidst the ongoing challenges. Where does the path lead now? Who knows – but “the true light that gives light” (John 1:9, NIV) can be our guide if we seek it. As 2021 unfolds, despite the weariness, sadness and reassessment of what has been, perhaps one of the greatest challenges for each of us is to want to renew our hope and keep looking for where the Light is to be found. For, despite the isolation and restrictions upon us, we still have life where others have not, and to live life hopefully is to honour that if we choose to.
There can’t be the usual celebrations as the New Year begins but perhaps the words of the old traditional Scottish song The parting glass may find an echo in our hearts as 2021 dawns more quietly and perhaps more significantly amongst us:
“But since it has so ordered been
By a time to rise and a time to fall
Come fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all.”
God bless us all at the turning of the year – in the many mixed emotions being felt by so many, amidst the darkness and uncertainty may there be moments of joy as well as hope as the New Year dawns and the Light guides wherever the way may lead us.
With my prayers, Christine.
