Dan Gottschalk is pastor at the Camden United Methodist Church. Charmed by the world’s delights.

Things that are higher

Things that are nobler

These have allured my sight. (R. Hartsburg and J Fillmore, 1896)

It’s 2010, ten years after the advertised end of the world. Do you remember Y2K2? Yes it is January 2010 and a new year. This is a popular time for people to consider what they normally fight doing; making changes. At this time of the year people make changes in their eating habits by going on a diet. They change their health regime by joining a health club for exercise. More that 50% of health club memberships are sold in January. Most are dropped by April.

There is something very load lifting about having a chance to start and new year with a fresh start and a clean slate. It is refreshing to have last year’s mistakes behind us and a clear road ahead full of hopes and dreams.

For those who have a personal relationship with their Savior New Years day comes regularly. Although we aren’t to make a practice of making mistakes intentionally or otherwise, the opportunity to have our past forgiven and forgotten by our creator is always available. To have a Heavenly Father whose love for His children provides forgiveness through the price paid by Jesus the Christ gives us the reason for our Christmas celebration and the hope of a happy new year. In Christ all things are new, the old has passed away.

“My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteous

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

But wholly trust in Jesus’ name.” (E. Mote 1834, W. Bradbury 1863)

What is your hope for forgiveness and joy built on?

May the continuing joy of Christmas and the hope of a new start be yours in 2010..