Happy New Year!
When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.
Galatians 4:4-5
Today we mark the passing of one year into the next and with that we may look back and give thanks for the Lord’s presence in our life and pray that God may draw us forward into the time ahead.
Our Scripture for January 1, 2017 highlights that God’s infinite presence is present within our own time and space.
We read in the Gospel of Luke that the holy family followed the Jewish calendar to give the Christ-child the name Jesus. The name given to him described his purpose in life, he would be a savior.
The psalmist (Psalm 8) marvels at the Lord’s work in the smallest things around us as well as the celestial bodies around us. St. Paul reminds us that God used the timing of the cosmos to bring about a path of redemption through Jesus. This path of love leads to new life and new relationships in God’s family.
A Prayer For This New Year
Almighty Father, eternal God, you have placed us in a world of space and time, and through the events of our lives you bless us with your love. Grant that in this new year we may know your presence, see your love at work, and live in the light of that event which gives us joy
forever—the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
God’s infinite presence will be in our finite time this year.
How will you live this year as an adopted child of God’s family?
