Traditionally, as we move from one year to another, we mark an end and we mark a beginning. January 1st is a kind of trigger – a reset – for new possibilities. But “traditionally” won’t quite work this year, will it? Because the trials of 2020 will have to be endured for a bit longer, with Covid infections still spreading, some schools closed, and restrictions on our free movement still in place.

So our New Year resolutions, if we make them, may have to be different this year. They may have to include the resolution to “live with adversity “or “to cultivate patience for the long haul”.

If this New Year marks less of a change than it might normally, perhaps we can reflect on something positive out of all this. We can reflect that every day – every new day – brings the chance of a new beginning and new possibility. And the reason why this is the case is quite simply that the eternal God does not change, but offers abundant love every day for every one of us.

The steadfast love of the Lord endures forever. It is new every morning.(Lamentations 3: 22-23)

Meanwhile on a national level we look forward to widespread vaccination against the pandemic; and locally in Preston to the completion and opening of the church extension on Sunday 7 February.

With every blessing for 2021

Stephen