Each year in December we begin a new church year so very different than the new year on January 1 for everyone else. The Christian New Year begins with preparation for an event unparalleled in type and magnitude and infinitely significant: the Son of God, the Creator of all things, was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the virgin Mary in order to substitute His life for ours as God had determined from before creation.
Should we stop here and let that truth settle in our minds and hearts? Our new year does not start with good intentions that depend on our ability to make the best resolutions and then keep them. Our new year and every new moment begin with God’s own resolution to rescue us from sin, death, and the devil. God accomplished His resolution by the redeeming work of Jesus and is still accomplishing that work in our lives by His Word and Spirit at work in us, regenerating our souls and empowering that soul to live and thrive in His love for us and His love for others channeled through us.
God has sealed His redeeming work for us in our baptisms, seals it weekly in the Lord’s Supper, and seals it as often as we would in absolution. God’s redeeming work in our lives is never the “same old, same old” nor does His work ever fail or disappoint. God’s mercies are ever new and the joy from receiving His mercy is powerful and enduring.