"Happy New Year." We freely exchange these greetings with one another at this time of the year, but lately I've been pondering what we really mean by this expression. In a world where true satisfaction seems to be eluding so many of us, what constitutes happiness?
Those of us who are considered religious, or who embrace Christianity, have long been accused of being weak-kneed folks who need a crutch. But, so many of us who don't accept Christianity, find crutches through other pursuits; things like material gain, recreation, leisure, work, success, position, relationships, and a host of other areas, hoping they will bring satisfaction and fulfillment. They all seem to leave an emptiness, accompanied by a desire for more. Then, there are the crutches of drugs and alcohol, and even gambling.
From my personal experience in days gone by, alcohol, for example, did provide a certain amount of pleasure, but having said that, I can't honestly say that throwing up or having a hangover really brings back such fond memories. We say "we really had a blast last night," but in reality, we likely don't remember everything we did to give us so much enjoyment. Statistics seem hard to come by to show that these substances improve marriages and family life, or our standard of living, and it doesn't appear that our driving skills and functioning abilities are enhanced by them either.
On the other hand, stories abound about people who are transformed through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; who at one point said, "I have come that you might have life, and that you might have it more abundantly," and "that your joy might be full." That means lots of it (life and joy), and more to spare. In my personal search for meaning and fulfillment, I continue to find in Jesus everything He promised.
So, may we seriously consider which "crutch" we choose to lean on.
On behalf of your friends here at NSCF, we encourage you to choose Jesus and experience a truly Happy New Year. You are so welcome to join us for worship.
Because of Jesus, Who offers life to the full,
Pastor John Giesbrecht
