BISHOP’S NEW YEAR’S GREETING – 2024 Anno Domini
In biblical numerology, the number eight signifies new beginnings. Eight souls were saved in the Ark of Noah during the Deluge. These eight began the replenishment of the earth. The Book of Ruth is the eighth book of the Bible and is like unto a garden of grace between the time of the judges and the time of the kings. It is filled with hints of the gospel and the Church.
Jesus Christ rose on the eighth day following the historic computation of time as relates to the Sabbath (7thDay). The birth and ministry of Christ represents the culmination of all that the Law and Prophets spoke of regarding a Redeemer. He did not change or alter the Word of God but fulfilled its hope and promise. He is the beginning of the new Creation of God as the first-born of all living. Though we celebrate a New Year on January 1, it is only a part and portion of the New Beginning in Christ. If that beginning is not in Christ, then it is not a beginning at all but simply a continuation of the old sinful ways of man.
Christ is our only true beginning. So, instead of writing down resolutions of which we are incapable of keeping, let us simply resort to obedience of the Laws of God as we are enabled in the love of God, and love of one another.
We have just hopefully ended a sordid period in the history of our American nation in which there was an open and enthusiastic promotion of the vilest sins of perversion and godlessness. We may consider that point to have past due to the election of a new President; however, the sins and depravity of any nation cannot be remedied by any new hero on the scene – Christ is the only answer for our nation and others around the world. No matter the proud boast, and even sincere efforts of man, a godless nation will never be blessed by Providence. The problem of the modern nations is not lack of effort or sincerity – it is a lack of the love of God and His Holy Word. Even the mighty lion is subject to the natural laws laid down by God. His moral law is just as commanding as is His natural laws of the Universe.
On the positive side, we have been graciously given a second change to amend our ways and restore our moral decency in our land by putting our hand into the Hand of God as we march forward into a future fraught with uncertainties.
Perhaps we would be wise to heed the courageous faith of the English people when at the beginning of World War II, King George the VI spoke these words to the nation (taken from a poem by Minnie Louise Haskins, entitled, The Gate of the Year):
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
"Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown".
And he replied:
"Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way".
So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.
And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.
May this coming year prove us to be a people known for their godly faith and pleased to stand always for the right regardless the outcome.
Happy New Year and continuing Christmastide.
† Jerry Ogles
Presiding Bishop.
