With the New Year coming, we take stock of the past and look forward to the future. Coming off of the fun and hectic crazy these days that fill our lives from it seems now from Nov 1 – January 1 and in a world increasingly polarized through politics, opinion and social media, God invites us to love one another and to recognize our common humanity in Christ. Let’s abandon conflict, embrace oneness and live in the joy and peace we were designed to have as His family.
Embracing Our Shared Identity
Our unity in Christ is perhaps the most beautiful thing about being part of the Christian family. Whatever our ethnicity, culture or situation, we are all members of one body: the body of Christ. This communion is not only theologically meaningful; it is material. When we join together as Christians, we extend the love of God to the world.
As Galatians 3:28 declares, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” In this passage we are reminded that differences are not what should divide us but what nourishes our society. We each bring different gifts and experiences that add to the body of Christ. In welcoming this variety, we are able to love and learn from it, and provide an atmosphere where we all feel accepted and respected.
Letting Go of Division
In the New Year, we need to take stock of the divides that have infiltrated our hearts and communities. Differing opinions about politics, social issues or even individual conflicts can be barriers to loving and serving one another.
That happiness is not a transient feeling, it’s an abiding satisfaction in our relationship with Christ. It’s the satisfaction of knowing that we are loved and accepted, even in our flawed ways. This joy also allows us to help others, share our blessings, and provide support in an otherwise dreary world.
Easy Practices for Peace and Happiness.
Begin with Prayer: Start the New Year by asking God for His help. Make sure there is peace in your community, and ask God to expose the areas of contention in your heart.
Do Community Service: Service as a team is an excellent bonding tool. Find volunteer roles for you and your friends at a local shelter, food bank, or community activity.
To Honor Diversity: Plan a potluck or cultural exchange where everyone brings something that is authentic to their origin. This not only creates harmony but also opens us up to better understanding one another’s history.
Practice Gratitude: Practice saying Thank You to people. Send letters of thanks or simply say how much you love someone. Thankfulness helps you create an encouraging and uplifting environment.
Call Everyone: Invite people who might feel lonely or alone. When we reach out to others, whether through friends or church or a casual meet-up, this is one of the things that can truly change the game.
As we go into this New Year, we must first begin with hearts of unity and joy. As part of a divided world, we can stand out as beacons of light and embody the love of Christ in our words and deeds. When we learn to be one in ourselves, let go of separation, and embrace unity, then we can have the peace and joy God wants for us.
We should celebrate this New Year with love, community and real connection, 2024 was a doozie! Together we can make this world a place of love, peace, and laughter, where everyone knows how blessed we are as family in Christ.
How to Begin the New Year With a Heart of Peace and Hope
