Malady
It’s possible some resolutions have already been thrown out of the window and forgotten completely. Human resolutions, in spite of our best intentions, are often broken or forgotten.
Gospel
But we have a God who is faithful in keeping his resolution, which translates to a promise. He fulfilled His promise through Jesus Christ.
Text
Simeon was promised to see the Christ before his death and he says: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people” (Luke. 2:26,29-31).
Promise
Jesus Christ promised a Counselor who would guide us into all truth. The book of Acts registers that fulfillment. Jesus promises He would be with us until the end of time, and He is keeping His Word.
Gospel
God so loved this sinful world that he resolved, to do that which is necessary to save us, to rescue us from eternal death and damnation. 1John 4:9-10, says: “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins”.
God kept the Divine resolution to redeem us when He was crucified, suspended between the very heaven and earth which He created. He kept the resolution of redemption on Calvary cross. Jesus rose from the dead and showed to the world, that because He lives, all who believe in Him will live also. This is God’s grace and hope for the future and unto life everlasting through Jesus our Lord.
Negative World
For those who long for Christ’s coming, the cross is God’s plus sign in a very negative world. It’s God’s eternal, New Year’s resolution to all who believe, that, even for those of us whose resolve to change fails by the end of January, there is repentance, forgiveness, and a fresh start available in Him each day.
Reflection
God’s mercy calls us to live lives of faith; fearless lives even in the face of death; courageous lives in the midst of struggle, and eternal lives in a world that is passing away. It’s wonderful to know that God the Father keeps His promises.
Conclusion
When we base our joy on the Christ Child’s life, death and resurrection, along with His promise to return and take us to our eternal home, then we’ll find joy, not just this 2025, but every day forever! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Amen.