Today is New Year’s eve and for the most part it does not have much significance for me in life. I am at work today, praying, studying, planning, and preparing for the next few weeks, and even months, here at North Heights. There is much to do and I like to stay on top of my work and ministry as much as possible. There are people that I want to talk in our church that need to be encouraged and checked on today. Today is just a normal day. But tomorrow is a little different. Tomorrow is January 1, 2020 and is celebrated world wide as New Year’s Day. I know that I am an eternal optimist and maybe a little naïve, but I would assume that the Christians I know will not go out partying, carousing, drinking and making a fool out of themselves this evening. Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with having fun and partying but it’s important to remember to keep your head on straight. So how can and should the Christian celebrate? Here’s a few things that I think are good and acceptable.
  1. Spend time with family and friends this evening and during the day tomorrow. Time is valuable and our life is short. James 4:14 tells us we “do not know that our life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” If like is short then we have the responsibility to make it as sweet as possible. Spending time with family and friends helps us accomplish this. Play games together, eat together, pray together, and even express to each other how you plan to make the most of your life together as you serve the Lord in 2020. The point is… be together!
  2. Serve others on New Year’s Day.Look for opportunities in your own church family to serve others. Someone probably needs you to call or text just to check on them and see how they are feeling. There is probably an opportunity for you to give a pat on the back a hug or a hardy handshake that will encourage the other person. All of these ways to serve others cost you nothing but time and energy. You can do that right? However there might be someone in your community that would use some extra help. Look for ways to serve others. I wonder what would happen if you pulled up to the gas station and offered to help someone pay for their gas. Being generous is not limited to December is it? We can carry it over into the new year right? Acts 20:35 records Jesus’s words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
  3. Spend quality time make a plan for your own spiritual growth. Begin a daily bible reading plan (see: Binge Reading the Bible for tips and tricks). Most times we spend time making a plan in January to so better with our physical health. How about we spend time making a list of things you want to accomplish this year for your spiritual health. Once you make this plan execute it. I love how the prodigal son in came to his senses after squandering away his inheritance in Luke 15. I love how he made a plan on how to get back on track. He said in verse 18, “I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him…” That’s a plan for his physical health and maybe even his spiritual health. Let’s make sure that we are making spiritual plans too.
I hope these three things help you have a great New Year’s and a successful 2020. If you need anything at all I am here for you. I will be glad to give you biblical advice and help point you in the right direction. Don’t be afraid to ask.
I love you,
~ Alexander