As each year enters its final week, I am reminded in countless ways of setting personal goals and changes to make happen. Peace, love, and joy are repeated more during the holiday season, but we hear of daily events of large scale suffering caused by others.  The question before us as followers of the Prince of Peace then becomes what are each of us doing to demonstrate a character of compassion, kindness and humility? 

A new year gives us another opportunity to remember and resolve to walk in the light as the chosen of God and act in a spirit of love, compassion, and generosity with the people and the world around us.  Instead of despair about all that is wrong we commit to another year of constant prayer for and standing with those who work with a spirit of compassion, humility, and sacrifice to relieve suffering.  For these we can give thanks to the Lord and have the hope that together we are making a difference.

Prayer: Dear God, may we live as people who have been renewed with Your true knowledge.  Fill us with joy and peace as we trust in you that we too may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.