2021 New Year Message
On New Year’s Eve, as the clock strikes 12, inevitably, people, especially in the English-speaking world, will break out the song “Auld Lang Syne.” Sometimes this song is sung as a farewell song, letting the old depart as we greet the new. Indeed, this year, everyone would heartily sing this song as they welcome in 2021.
There are two perspectives to what 2020 means for us. We can view it as a year to be forgotten or a year that we grew in the Spirit.
Everyone knows what a year 2020 has been. God, the Sustainer, and Provider of ALL things certainly knew our plight yet, He allows the things that we want to avoid to happen to us. Adversity cleanses us and brings its benefit through perseverance and patience. For our Lord’s sake, we must bear anything disagreeable to us. Only through patience, as we work out the Gospel will the fruit of the Spirit grows. The world and material goods cannot compare with the joy that comes with spiritual growth. We can grow through whatever circumstances because our strength comes through Christ.
For the promise is “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
We have overcome the world because our Lord has overcome the world. Our troubles may not cease on January 2, but let the adversity build us up.
What will 2021 be?
Truthfully, the only thing that matters is not to lose sight of our place among the saints in the household of God and live for holiness. The world will continue to turn, and Jesus will continue to transform and strengthen us. So, look to Him, the Perfecter of our faith who has overcome. Never lose sight of Jesus’ promise.
“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.”
Psalm 37:7
As we enter a new year, let us go out (with a mask on!) and share a cup of kindness. This would be a very Christian thing to do.
Your brother and friend in Christ,
Timothy Tan