The Christless world views the close of the year and the approach of a new one with a mixed reaction. Some are reluctant to let go of the receding season because of the joy it offered. Others would want a hasty retreat of the year if they believed it gave them a raw deal. A few are indifferent. Let the old go and let the new come in: they are prepared to respect whatever conditions for survival it presents.

However, Paul says he knows One who has such unlimited power that He has a firm hold on the past, on the present and far into the ages to come. Addressing the Ephesian brethren in one of his prison letters, he applies majestic language to portray the power of Jesus and where He is seated in heaven as He watches over the world. The Lord has "all things under his feet." He is "far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion." This Saviour is not moved by the seasons. When the governments of the world change hands, He does not change, although He keeps watch over all happenings in the universe. He has remained the same from eternity and He will be so through the ages, "not only in this world, but also in that which is to come." In His reckoning, a thousand years is like a day.

Both at the end or beginning of the year, we who know the Lord as the Saviour will rest on His power and faithfulness and release the baggage of the outgoing year and display a cheerful anticipation of the new, with the Lord as our Guide. He has forgiven us our sins and does not want the failures of the past to diminish our joy in Him. The sinners and backsliders also have a chance to make up for opportunities they missed during the year before forsaking the sin that took them away from the Lord. God will give them a new lease for life.