Nothing New
One of my favorite Bible verses is Ecclesiastes 1:9 where the Word of God says, "That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun." I like that verse first and foremost because it comes from God. I also like it for what it tells us. God's Word to us is a reminder that we humans are creatures of habit and history repeats itself. Even though we often times think that because we live on this new frontier of knowledge and technology that somehow our nature has changed. In reality people are basically the same as they've always been.
Our priorities, our passions and our methods of getting things done have changed a great deal over the years. I'm old enough to remember what it was like to not have instant access to a telephone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I've actually used a pay phone a time or two in my life. In many ways we've all advanced a great deal since those days but that doesn't mean our basic human needs are different. We still need to be fed, clothe, and sheltered. We still need to be comforted and to offer comfort to others. The need to interact with other people has not disappeared from our will despite what some people may say. Most importantly, our need to fill the void that exists within each human soul is still with us. It is an empty space that can only be filled with an active and personal relationship with the God of all Creation through His Son Jesus Christ. The good news is, just as we haven't changed, neither has the Lord. God's Word reminds us of this in Malachi 3:6, "For I am the Lord, I do not change ..." . That my brothers and sisters is good news for all of us. We still have a loving God who hasn't grown tired of us. We have a caring God who won't discard us like an outdated calendar. We have a compassionate God who understands us completely. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He is merciful and ready to forgive us when we come to Him sincerely. He loves us more than we can possibly love Him. None of that will ever change. God is true to His Word.
I mention all of this today you today because we are about to enter a new year. We are going to change our calendars and maybe try to change our lives for the better. Though change may come and we can't be sure what's ahead waiting for us this coming year ... one thing we can be sure of; we have a loving and unchanging God who will be there with us every step of the way. Praise the Name of the Lord!
Don't forget that we are going to celebrate the coming of the New Year here at Christ United Church. Our annual New Year's Eve celebration will begin around seven p.m. and will last at least until midnight. If you would like to bring a snack, something to drink, or a favorite game that would be great. Most importantly, just come on by and have some fun. Feel free to invite your friends. Also, there will be fireworks. I am checking with the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office for updates on the burn ban.
With the new year just about here we need volunteers who are willing to help out with worship in 2012. We are going to need response readers, acolytes, altar flowers and ushers just to name of few things. If you'd like to volunteer to help in anyway, there will be a sign up sheet going around or you can talk to me or one of the committee chair people. Thanks in advance for your service.
There is a congregational meeting scheduled for January 8 after worship to discuss and approve the budget for 2012. Our annual meeting will take place on Sunday, January 29. The Youth Group will provide the meal.
This Sunday we will have our first worship service in 2012 on New Year's Day, how about that? The Scripture lesson will be Matthew 24:36-44. We will be talking about all the discussion going on concerning the end of the world and if this could possibly the last year ever! Also, look for the January issue of our church newsletter The Praising Post in your pew this Sunday.
See you in church on Sunday!
Have a blessed week and a Happy New Year!
