As I finish up at work, tying up all the loose ends, it seems impossible that another year has passed. It feels like we're still back in May (although some temperatures obviously suggest otherwise) but it begs the question: where did the year go?
Surely it was only yesterday that we went into lockdown because of a stabbing opposite our workplace where a woman died and several others were injured? And yet that particular incident happened back in January.
A few months later Son#3 and DIL#3 surprised us with some exciting and [to us] unexpectant news … and now that delightful "news" is a healthy boy of almost twelve weeks! (And the most gorgeous grandson ever to be born - obviously.)
Our family trip back to Australia in August was a highlight and would have been "Mission Impossible" if everyone hadn't gotten on board and made the necessary sacrifices. But they did and we - and my parents - have some very special memories as a result of that time.
There have been other family celebrations this past year … a Baby Shower … the arrival of our first (and aforementioned) grandson … a significant birthday (sure beats the year when we had three significant birthdays in one month - four if you count turning four - which is obviously significant to a four year-old - as a significant birthday) … with another to come only days after Christmas (yes, The Most Adorable Granddaughter#1 will be turning thirteen!) … and just times of hanging out together.
On the National Stage, there has been little reason to celebrate recently. The eruption of Whaakari (White Island) caused the deaths of eighteen people, while others remain in a serious condition in hospitals here and in Australia. Sobering and a tragic end to what was for many, the trip of a lifetime.
In my own country, many are risking their lives fighting fires that are ravaging the country. Last month, my parents, friends and relatives were in areas termed "catastrophic fire danger". This past week, while my parents and most people I know and love are not in immediate danger, there are many who are. The map of the extent of fires in Australia is mind-boggling. It is a land that is literally on fire. (See an image here.)
And on the International Stage, news of wars and earthquakes, and rumours of such, and shootings, and floods, and catastrophic events cause us to wonder, as my grandmother often expressed, what is the world coming to?
Perhaps, then, as I look back on a year where there has been uncertainty, tragedy, heartache and tears, it's helpful to remember that we have One who is always there and Who never changes.
He was there in the beginning …
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1, NKJV)
He was there 2,000 years ago in the manger …
Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." (Luke 2:10-12, NKJV)
He was there at the cross …
So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His Spirit. (John 19:30, NKJV)
He is here now …
"And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20, NKJV)
For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:5, NKJV)
And He will be there at the end of all time …
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." (Revelations 1:8, NKJV)
"And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last." (Revelations 22:12-13)
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