Its time to see the old year out and accept the new one. In Michigan, this is the time of year when winter settles in to stay for a while. Snow no longer melts but stays on the ground and builds with each successive storm. It is more difficult to do our routine chores in the rigors of winter. The horses have to paw for every bit of grazing, and drinking water must be kept thawed for all the animals. The inconvenience is offset by the beauty of our countryside and by the knowledge that this is a passing thing. The seasons will slide around to spring and nature will burgeon again. The turning of the year also marks a year since Troy’s accident. His recovery gives us much to be grateful for.
This is the time when we start from the beginning of the Bible readings again. Usually, we make a mental note to stick with them more consistently this time. A new year — a new start.
The three portions of the readings — Genesis, Psalms and Matthew — are a wonderfully balanced picture of our Heavenly Father’s plan. The patterns are fascinating.
Genesis — The external history of mankind’s beginnings.
Psalms — The internal mind of David, a man beloved by God.
Matthew — Christ, the eternal promise.
Genesis speaks of the first Adam; Psalms provides the link; Matthew reveals the second Adam.
There is history, meditation and the Gospel.
There is proof, guidance, and promise of reward.
“Great God, we sing Thy mighty hand, by which supported still we stand; the opening year Thy mercy shows: that mercy crowns it till it close.”
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One