Proverbs 3:1-8

My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you. Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them round your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favour and good repute in the sight of God and of people.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body.

A question, when faced with major decisions in one’s life, who can guide you? Who do you look to when asking the questions of how you should live your life, as we walk away from the manger? We’ve prepared, we’ve sang the hymns and listened to those treasured stories, and your question may be what’s next? Indeed, God has come to us as Emmanuel, God WITH us, and as we enter into 2023, we must truly hold the mirror to ourselves, is this how Jesus would live? Is this what Jesus would say? Is this how Jesus would live? Those teachings of his life and ministry; to love your neighbor, be like children and the last shall be first like a lot of us. Are these and so many more of Jesus’ teachings, truly written on your heart? What needs to be washed away so the tablet is indeed fresh and clean?

Prayer

Emmanuel, as you have entered in and promised to be with us, may our hearts be open to truly grasp what that means. We pray you will offer again your living water for us to drink deeply. Offer again those whispered words of hope, so that we can step out faithfully and confidently as your disciples into the coming year. Help us to trust you with all our heart and truly trust your wisdom, Amen.