Christmas is over and the new year has begun.  If you are like us, you received some new things, not only for Christmas, but throughout the year.

When I think of all the new things I acquired in 2017, I find they fall into two main categories:

1. Replacement for a similar item that I already owned that was either worn out, broken, or for some other reason no longer served my needs.
   • Needed items –These items are high on the priority list because they replace an existing item which is either worn out or broken and therefore no longer functioning properly. The new is a substitution for the old. The acquisition of the item is somewhat time sensitive as there is a definite discomfort in continuing to use the not so great old one (mattress) or having to do without for some time, in the case of the irreparable broken one (blender). Other needed items might be considered more urgent due to the frequency of their use and the inability to continue the daily routine without them (a new work computer, since the old one was unable to process information due to lack of memory and its old age).
   • Wanted items – These items may in fact have been “replacement” items, but the timing of acquisition is not as urgent, nor are they “essential”. One can take the time needed to shop for a good bargain (new shoes and seasonal clothing items). 
2. Brand new, never had one of these before.  The items on this list are so novel that the tendency is to talk about them even after the “newness” begins to wear off.
   

   

   

   For example: my Instant Pot^® (a Black Friday purchase in 2016) so revolutionized what and how I cook, that I still sing its praises.  Another example is my Vanda Orchid.  I have been growing orchids for some years now, but the acquisition of a Vanda (with its long, exposed roots and stunning blooms) has forced me to learn more about growing this type of orchid and given me much pleasure.  Come to the balcony of my apartment and I will definitely show you my Vanda.  A final example I offer you is a “new, never had one before” addition to our family.  We have a beautiful daughter-in-law now.   We have a daughter, a son-in-law, two grandsons and a son; but only since May have I had the pleasure of developing a relationship with a daughter-in-law. She has added another dimension of joy and beauty to our family!  The point is, the items in this category are so new, novel and different that the newness stands out for period of time.  But even these items will one day lose their newness and become commonplace.

As I was thinking about new -vs- old in my daily devotions during these first days of the new year, I came across these passages (from the ESV) that talk about new.

Isaiah 43:19 “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Revelation 21:5a  “And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’”

Isaiah 65:17 “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.”

Ephesians 4:24  “and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

When God makes something new He is replacing the old with something brand new, “never had one of these before” new. God’s new is new and improved like we cannot possible imagine. It is a total life transformation. It is such a dramatic change from the old that we can’t stop talking about it!

If you know Christ, you are not the same person you used to be. You are new! If you don’t yet know Christ, I have good news for you—you can be made new! You don’t have to settle for the same old you with the same old problems. God says he will make a way in the wilderness for you. That should give you new hope for the future. Even if you don’t perceive it, God is making all things new, and His new will so outshine the old that it will blur away the memory of what used to be.

Our prayer for you as you begin this new year, is that 2018 will be the year that you “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

God bless you and we wish you a happy new year!

Mark & Caron