Like many of you, I can’t believe another year is upon us. Within a handful of days, 2019 will utter the first wails of existence. Like a newborn baby in its mother’s arms, the new year arrives with a clean slate full of promise. Whatever events await us will unfold like a toddler learning to walk—complete with falls, spills, and bruises.
As 2018 fades into the annals of history, I do not regret its passing. For my family it proved to be a tough year. Both my husband and I each lost our last living sibling, along with a number of dear friends. We grew weary of the turbulent political climate and formed deeper opinions of those who attempted to sway our thinking with biased reporting. Unfortunately, we doubt 2019 will prove any different.
But along with the distasteful comes the positive. My publisher released the final two novels in my fiction series—Mended Hearts—and the response from the reading public has been encouraging. Affirmation of the effort I made to write those books is refreshing. Comments from readers have been wonderful—especially those who wrote to say they hoped I’d continue to write. Thank you.
The Bible tells us in John 16:33 (KJV): “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Jesus knew our lives would be filled with adversity. He knew abiding in a culture where God is not honored would prove challenging for those of us who do believe. He knew that as time advanced and the occasion for His return approached the world atmosphere would grow darker and the outlook more bleak. But He wanted us to know He had experienced all of this, that He understood our trials, and that He had overcome it all. We should not lose hope.
So welcome 2019. Your advent brings us closer to the awaited end—a special time of rejoicing for those who abide in Christ. I Corinthians 15:52 “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” Will 2019 be the year?
Until next time . . .