by Rev. Deborah Beloved Church
“To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1; King James Version)
Familiar words to many (thanks in no small part to the Byrds! For the full Biblical version, click here: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, KJV), and words that seem fitting for this time of bidding farewell to 2023 and bidding welcome to 2024.
As we reflect on the year that has come to a close, and take our first steps into yet another “new” one, perhaps it might be helpful to remember:
“To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”
As we remember the ups and the downs of the year that has ended–the pleasant and the unpleasant, the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the ugly, and everything in-between, let us not feel drawn to claim only the “ups”–the pleasant, the good, and the beautiful (and hope for more of all of that in the coming year); and judge or feel shame or want to hide or deny the “downs”–what feels unpleasant, bad, and ugly (and long for less of all of that in the year that’s just begun). Rather, let us remember:
“To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”
May we acknowledge and hold with tenderness the times of grief and sadness, as we also give thanks for those of joy and delight…
“To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”
May we acknowledge and hold with kindness the reality of our exhaustion, as we also give thanks for momentary surges of energy…
“To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”
May we acknowledge and hold with gentleness the expressions of heartache and anger, as we also give thanks for manifestations of compassion and generosity…
“To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”
May we acknowledge and hold with grace the moments of anxiety and fear, as well as those of trust and abiding love…
“To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”
May we hold space for it all, with tenderness and kindness, with gentleness and grace–for ourselves, for our loved ones, for our neighbors, and even for those we consider our enemies. May we hold space for it all, with vulnerability and with courage, recognizing that, indeed…
“To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”
And as we hold space or it all, may we also recognize those seasons that have nourished us, and those that have depleted us. May we see those experiences that have caused our souls to wither and shrivel, and those that have caused our hearts to blossom and expand. May we acknowledge those occasions that have led us to shake our fist at God and rage against the universe, and weep and wail and withdraw, as well as those in which we have found ourselves engaging and rejoicing and giving thanks at the beauty and wonder of it all…
“To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”
As we reflect on the year that has come to a close, and take our first steps into yet another “new” one, perhaps it might be helpful to not only remember that, but also to remember…
As people of faith we claim and proclaim
that in every season and in every time,
God, the Maker of Heaven and Earth
God, Creator of all that is
God, who was and is and is to come
God, who took on flesh and walked among us as Jesus of Nazareth
God, who dwells in all persons as the Holy Spirit
God, Emmanuel…
is with us!
Now and forever and always.
Thanks be to God!
And Happy New Year!