A Word from 2 Corinthians 5

There’s just something about the arrival of a new year, isn’t there? No matter how many challenges we’ve had to face—and no matter what concerns are burdening our hearts in the present—there is, I think, a sense of possibility. We can look at the year ahead and believe that, with God’s help, our lives can be made new. And today’s word from 2 Corinthians 5 reminds us of the reason for that sense of anticipation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,” Paul says, “the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (5:17)

Of course, we need to remember that it’s not the changing date on a calendar that offers this hope! No, as Paul goes on to say, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ.” (5:18) You see, it’s the gift of God’s mercy, which is new every morning,  that provides a new start. And with that new beginning comes the opportunity—and responsibility—to share that mercy with others. And that’s why Paul goes on to say that not only has God reconciled us to Himself through Jesus. He also “gave us the ministry of reconciliation,” using us to tell others “that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, and no longer counting people’s sins against them.” (5:18-19)

So tonight, when the big ball drops, I hope you’ll remember that God has done, is doing, and will do something new in your life. And in gratitude for His new beginnings, I hope you’ll be eager to share with others the hope that, in Christ, they, too, can be made new. May the Lord give you a “Happy New Year!”

Just so you know: Because of the holiday and some family vacation I’ve scheduled in the coming days, there won't be another “word from Pastor Alex” until Monday, January 12. But I look forward to sharing with you some words about The Word in 2026. May God bless you in the year ahead. Amen.