...in New Year’s resolutions. I don’t mind hearing other people talk about them. I admit, I’m curious about what others would like to change about themselves. I don’t even mind thinking about some things I would like to do differently in the coming 12 months. And the New Year is, of course, the appropriate time to do that.

But I refuse to go as far as making actual resolutions. And the reason is that resolutions by definition force me to rely on myself for change. A resolution is just a decision to change one’s behaviour.  Here is something I know about myself: I’m not really good at change. Even when the change is good for me. Even when I know I will benefit from it. On my own, I’m no good at sticking to it 

But. Here is something else I know. If I rely on Jesus, if I ask Him to change me, if I give him the authority in my life...I WILL change. Not through my own strength, but because He will be working in me. Because He has been given all authority in Heaven and on Earth.

That’s a much safer bet than trusting in myself. So I don't believe in New Year's resolutions. But I do believe in Jesus. As 2010 starts, my hope is that you, too, will find yourself changed by the light and life of the One whose birth we have just celebrated.

Blessings,

R.