As we come to the end of what has been a year we will never forget, I find myself pondering. When the year concludes, or comes to a close, is this really the end? 

We are very quick to say we want this year to be over – I’ll put my hands up to that. It’s been a year that will be remembered for many years to come. But for some of us, or maybe most of us, it’s a year we wish we will never remember. 

As my thoughts start to run away with me, I find myself thinking about Easter. Yes, I know Christmas has only just passed, but bare with me.  

When Jesus was crucified, his disciples thought it was the end. Everything they had been through together and worked towards, this is what it came to.  Their saviour was beaten and rejected and hanging on a cross.

On the face of it, it looked like there was nothing else left to live for. This was the end.

What else is there when it seems everything is over? 

Maybe we feel a little like what the disciples felt as we near the end of 2020. We have experienced loss in so many ways, what else is left? Luckily, we know how the story ended with our Saviour. (Spoiler alert: He Lives!) 

1 Peter 1:3: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

We have just celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ. The birth of Light at a time when all is dark. And because we know that Easter is just around the corner (yes, the shops already have Easter eggs out on sale), we can keep hold of that Living Hope to continue into 2021…and beyond.

Something to think about…

As we reflect on what the year has been, let’s try and look forward to a year that could be, whilst holding on to the new birth of Living Hope we have been given in Jesus Christ. 

If you need a little comfort right now, let this passage from Revelation provide you with some relief. This is my prayer for whoever is reading this. It is a gentle reminder that God wipes away our pain and is making things new. 

Revelation 21:4-5: ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Prayer

Lord, gently heal our aching hearts for what we have experienced this year. Many of us have suffered great losses and are struggling to see a way in the dark. Instil in us the Living Hope which we can carry with us in to the New Year. Be the Light we need in our lives right now to brighten the path we walk. May your strength be present in us so we can face what may lie ahead. Amen.