At the end of every year, there is always a sense of looking back, of reviewing, of reflecting and then, with the dawn of a new year, a sense of looking forward and anticipating.
If we want to put this in technical terms, what we are doing here is called ‘anamnesis’ (remembering) and ‘prolepsis’ (anticipating). Both the looking back and the looking forward are essential for us to live rightly in the now.
Tim Hughes talks about the cross as ‘the greatest day in history’, and there is a sense in which history indeed is divided by that momentous event. We even date our years according to the coming of Christ into the world. Christ’s incarnation really is the dividing point; it’s that point when the Old Covenant meets the New Covenant, when we finally see how God’s plan is going to be worked out. The Old Testament saints lived in anticipation of that day; the New Testament saints and the rest of us live in reflection of that day.
Looking back over 2010, I am reminded of all God has done in Goldthorpe this year. We started out in the snow, not knowing if St Mark’s would ever be ours. By February, we were in the building, working away at transforming it, with a sense of shocked awe. The money kept being topped up, rather like the widow’s oil. New windows and blinds were put in. A new fire door put in. All paid for through the generosity of people and the provision of God. Amazing.
Then came the move from Beever Street to Market Street: only 3 streets geographically, maybe, but a real leap forward in faith and declaration of God’s power.
In July, we had the official Open Day and welcomed hundreds of people into the building: those from near and far who had prayed, worked, joined with us and just wanted to share in the joy.
Since then, the ‘normal’ life of the church has continued: births, weddings, and, on Christmas Eve, the death of a former member at 100 years old. (The date of the funeral is not known as I write, but I’ll keep you posted.) As we look back on 2010, we reflect anew on the faithfulness of God.
We look ahead to the New Year with confidence: not in our own abilities, not in our own talents, but with confidence in God’s continued faithfulness.
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’ ” (Lam 3:22-24)
Whatever we may face in 2011, may we do so with our heads held high because of the love and faithfulness of God on whom we rely.