Dear Friends and Co-workers,

As we stand on the threshold of a New Year, we have an opportunity to make a new start. We look back over the past year and no doubt there were events we'd rather they had not occurred. There could have been an insult from a co-worker, a boss who promised but didn't follow through, a promotion that fell through without cause, a supervisor who hurt you more deeply than words can express, a friend who turned his back on you for no good reason ...the list goes on and on. But that was last year! 

The Christmas story has 2 powerful examples that speak to us. Zachariah, the Priest, had the knowledge, experience and a personal history of temple service, yet when presented with a message from God, his response was, 'How can I be sure?', or in today's language, 'Prove it.'

Mary, on the other hand, was young, inexperienced, immature (probably), with little knowledge and less experience, yet her response to God's message was, 'I am the Lord's servant,...may it be as you have said.'

You and I are God's servants. Our response to God is not based on theological degrees, past experience in ministry or importance of the position we hold. Our response to God is based more on our understanding of our position as 'His servants'.

Let it go - give it to Him. Let Him deal with those hurts, insults and injuries. Let's allow Mary's response to be our example, and to guide us in the new year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

- Harry and Mars Enns