Pastor Dan - January 2020
In writing this article in the month of December, I find my mind jumping ahead to December 31st. This is the day in which many will stay up late and wait. As midnight approaches, there is anticipation being stirred within our hearts and souls as the clock ticks toward midnight. Then the moment arrives, the second hand on the clock goes from 11:59 and 59 seconds ticking one tiny tick, and a total new day and a new year is upon us. It’s a new day, it’s a new year and we carry within this tradition a sense of a new opportunity for new attitudes, new habits and maybe even some new promises for a new you. This emotion filled tick of the clock is celebrated around the world as most of humanity hopes and prays for a better world in the new year. May all the goodness of the new year bless you throughout 2020 and may the Lord continue to bless you and all your loved ones throughout this new year of 2020.
I do know that many people, throughout the nation, wait for and watch the Times Square Ball drop. Even I , in the past, have stayed up to watch this event unfold. I have absolutely no interest at all in going to Times Square to participate in this event live. I prefer to stay in my nice warm home to watch and wait. Sometimes, I watch it at 10:00pm so I can go to sleep before midnight. (In my younger days I called that cheating, but now I call it wisdom.) It’s not until recent years that I have found the “Ball Drop” to carry any significance to the New Year experience.
I have come to appreciate the symbolism of the event. Just think about it. Here is this incredible light, a light magnified with crystal panes working together to bring the most intense light possible. This light is fixed in the sky, radiating above everyone who have gathered to marvel in a meaningful event. The light begins to descend into a crowd of rowdy, boisterous and many intoxicated people. The light is coming down to radiate the symbol of newness it represents and share its’ glory among this unique gathering of humanity. As the crowd revels in the darkness, the light travels closer to the masses and its light begins to shine upon them and they are no longer in the dark.
Our celebrating of the New Year falls within the days of Christmas. This “Ball Drop” event has come to remind me of the Christ Light entering the world. It has become a living symbol and reminder of what God gives up and what God enters into as the Christ. The Christ of God enters into the world and into our lives radiating God’s love and grace throughout and within. I pray that this One continues to shape your days and your ways as the new year of 2020 unfolds.
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In Christ’s love and service,
Pastor Dan