We are entering once again into a New Year, and for many, that means another host of New Year’s resolutions. So, what are yours?

Actually, someone once bragged, “You only have to keep them until February … because then you can give them up for Lent.” Of course, that’s really not what it’s about.

Anyway, what are your New Year’s resolutions?

Perhaps it involves time spent with family or how you interact with others. Perhaps you want to be involved in volunteering somewhere, or helping out some organization. Perhaps you have a gift or talent that hasn’t been fully utilized and you intend to do so. And whatever it is, does it involve God?

It was wonderful at our early Christmas Eve service to have so many families in worship … filling the church with people and noise. And of course, I don’t mind the noise, as I can always talk louder … it’s just great having kids/babies/etc. in worship. I commented to someone after, “When I first came to Manistique, those who were college students coming home for Christmas, are now the ones who are returning with their young families.”

Now, what is so heart-warming about this is that these families are all including God in their lives. Family gatherings are a staple of Christmas … dinners, parties, gatherings of all kinds … and all this is good. But there is something very important about gathering – as a family – to worship, praise and give thanks to God for the wonderful gift of the Christ Child. That is, to recognize the Love that comes to us … the God who comes to us. This God is our source of strength in good times and bad. How much easier to build that relationship in good times, so that it might be a source of comfort and support in those times when we might struggle.

“To you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior …” A Savior! Awesome! Fantastic! Certainly, someone we want our family to know and be a part of.

And so, now, we enter into a New Year. Made any New Years resolutions?

Whatever it might be, are you going to stick with it? No changes – and that’s really what a New Years resolution is – come easy. They take effort. They take time. They take commitment.

It’s a lot easier if you don’t go it alone … but include family … and better yet, that it would involve God. Together, we continue in this wonderful journey called ‘life.’

Wishing You a Blessed New Year!

Pastor Dave

From myself, Sandy, Holly & Michael

THANK YOU

to all who remembered us over the Holidays
with gifts, cards, etc.

your loving thoughts are much appreciated!