New Year, New You, Same Jesus

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (Philippians 3:8, NIV).

We’re a little less than 24 hours from ringing in 2022! Another 365 days have come and gone, and when I pause to reflect on the time passed, I am so grateful for Jesus. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is in the Gospel of John when Jesus is being called to the home of Mary and Martha in response to the death of their brother, Lazarus. John 11:35 tells us: Jesus wept. I love this so much because it reminds me of the humanity of Jesus.

I don’t find it a coincidence that every year, exactly one week after celebrating the birth of Jesus, we ring in a new year. Revelation 21:5 (ESV) reminds us that Jesus makes all things new: And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.

Some make resolutions, others choose a word for the year, many will write down a list of goals, while others will scribble their deepest dreams and desires onto the pages of a private journal. Regardless of what it looks like for you, the New Year provides all of us an opportunity to reflect, pray, express gratitude, set goals, dream, and look forward with anticipation to all the exciting things we hope for as we turn the page to all things new.

While not diminishing your dreams, goals, and hopes for the future, I am here today to remind you that none of these compare to the glory of walking into a New Year by calling Jesus your Lord, Savior, and friend. A little over five years ago, I experienced a moment of saying yes to a personal relationship with Jesus, and my life hasn’t been the same since.

Though we cannot change the past, we have the opportunity to forge ahead into a new year, and every new day, filled with the hope that comes from knowing Jesus. Paul said it best in Philippians 3:8 (NIV), What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.