Dear siblings in Christ,

In 1939, King George VI of the United Kingdom broadcast the customary Christmas Day speech to the people.  In that speech he quoted from a poem by Minnie Louise Haskins titled "God Knows," but more popularly known as "The Gate of the Year."  Europe was facing dark days ahead and many were fearful.  The quote from this poem was meant to give comfort and strength to those who listened so that they could embark on the new year with courage.  I've always loved the quote, and have, at times spoken a simpler, less articulate version of it.

For some of us, 2024 was a year filled with joy; for others it held great challenges.  We may be facing 2025 with hope or trepidation.  Oftentimes we look outward to seek guarantees of success, thinking somehow we are the masters of our fate.  This quote reminds us there is something bigger, better, more profound - eternal.  As we begin the new year I share it with you:

"And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.'
And he replied:
'Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.'"

May you know, that no matter what comes, whether we are filled with bliss or sorrow, we are held by almighty God.  We do not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future.

In Christ,
Pastor Holliday