Luke 1: 78-79
By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Even as I look at the hopes and expectations of a New Year, I am aware of lingering doubts and fears that are spilling over from last year.

           Will finances stabilize?
           Will the climate be more friendly?
           Will we figure out how to discover and regulate potentially violent people before they lash out?
           Will the church begin to live into a new way of being church?
           Will we live in as whole and healed people even if we face physical challenges?

There are daunting realities facing us.  A new year doesn't make them dissolve.  The world doesn't offer us a blank slate upon which we can sketch new plans or strategies to thrive.

These thoughts can weigh us down.  We can become stuck in worry or dread.  We may exert even more effort to gather more information, figure out a new plan, negotiate a new law, try a new health or diet plan.

What if we take time to stop thinking, at least occasionally?  What if we take a few moments together each day or several times a week to lift up our voices with "Lord, have mercy" echoing through time and space?

By God's mercy, dawn from on high breaks upon us, giving us light in the presence of darkness and shadows.

And then, look where we are guided....  it may not be into more dollars, or the kind of weather we want, or to the next church strategy or new laws, or physical fitness and vigorous health.  But it WILL BE to

PEACE.

Peace of mind, heart, body and soul.  Peaceful relationships which then create an environment where, together, we can discover the next wise step to take.

Peace be with you.  Let it break in.  Then, together, let's get on with getting on, following Christ.