Happy New Year Morehead Family!
In his second letter to the Christians in Corinth, Paul the Apostle says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Cor. 5:17) I love the word, “Behold” there. Behold means so see, witness, or observe something that is wonderful or remarkable.
Behold, the new has come. We often think of New Years being a time to plan for how we will make ourselves new in the coming year. But, the turning of another year is also an opportunity to behold the ways God has made us new and is making us new. This month in worship we will explore renewal, baptism, and calling through various scriptures. I hope you will take this time to reflect on how God has made us new creations in Christ, and specifically how you have seen God making you new in your life.
Behold how God has made you new, dear ones.
Last week, Pastor Paul shared one of his favorite poems for the new year. I thought I would do the same! This poem comes from the poetic tradition of Irish blessings. I have come back to it over and over in my own life and God continues to bless me, open me up to the unknown, and give me courage through these words. I hope they bless you as you enter this new year, and as you behold all the ways God is making you new.
Grace,
Pastor Nikki Raye
FOR A NEW BEGINNING
By John O’Donohue
In out-of-the-way places of the heart,
Where your thoughts never think to wander, T
his beginning has been quietly forming,
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.
For a long time it has watched your desire,
Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,
Noticing how you willed yourself on, Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.
It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the gray promises that sameness whispered,
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,
Wondered would you always live like this.
Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground, Your eyes young again with energy and dream,
A path of plenitude opening before you.
Though your destination is not yet clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at one with your life's desire.
Awaken your spirit to adventure; Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;
Soon you will home in a new rhythm, For your soul senses the world that awaits you.
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