HAPPY NEW YEAR!  It is truly a sentiment that I pray for  . . . myself . . . for you . . . for so many who have not been able to find the happiness they so desire in their lives.  The reality of our society is that many of our loved ones are not happy.  And to make matters worse, it is hard for the one who is not happy to see the rest of the world happy.  Is it envy?  Maybe.  Is it jealousy.  Maybe.  Is it fair?  Definitely not. 

It’s not because it’s not what God intended when He created the world and all living things in it.  Eternal joy, hope, peace, and love was God’s intention . . . and still is.  And that’s where we come in.  We live in a world where the concept of family is broken and dysfunctional.  If you happen to be in a family that is just the opposite, consider yourself blessed and the knowledge that God is pleased that you are healthy, happy and prosperous.

Our greeting for the world is relevant and necessary more than ever in our history.  The need for family is so critical if we are to truly make our new year, not just the day, happy.  We need to be family to one another.  We need to be church to one another.  Are you seeing the connection?  Where family is not functioning well in our homes, the people of God have a a sanctuary to call home and find the peace the way it should be, the joy the way it should be, the hope that is missing elsewhere, and yes, the love of God.  It’s called grace and it is what we try to be for anyone that walks into our “home.”

As I reflect on 2011, let me say to all of you what I believe God would say to you . . . “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”   The grace we have been about for not only our own family members, but the community and the world, is amazing.  Everytime we have shared the need, you have responded . . . as family should.  There is a spirit about our congregation that is just what the world needs in order to have a “happy new year.”

We live in an imperfect world.  There is still much that is not right with it.  But it will get better for we believe  . . . God is making all things news.   May this year be new where it needs to be and happy when it’s not for you and anyone God entrusts us with.