The month of January is named for the Greek god Janus, who is usually depicted with two faces: one looking back, and one looking ahead into the new year.
At the beginning of the new year, we stand in that in-between time: remembering the past year, and all the past, really, and looking ahead to what is in some ways an unknown future.
In the Gospel of Luke, after the nativity story, and after some time has passed, Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. While there, they meet Simeon, a righteous man, who came to the Temple that day, and also Anna, who is described as a prophet.
Anna and Simeon are old. Both have been told by God that this baby is special, the redemption of Israel. Simeon, in fact, say that now he can die, for he "has seen the salvation God has prepared for all peoples."
Simeon and Anna stand in an in-between time and space. The past has been full of longing, for each of them. The future that God is planning begins with this baby boy. They could not know what that looked like, for Jesus, or for Jerusalem, or for the world, but they trusted in God’s goodness and plan for the future.
This church is also standing in an "in-between" time. The Ministry Information Form has been approved by Session and the Committee on Ministry, the Pastoral Nominating Committee will soon begin receiving resumes from applicants. God is already preparing a pastor for this congregation. We do not know who that will be, or what 2017 will hold. But we know who holds all time in his hands. And so we can be at peace. May you find the deep blessings of God in 2017.
Blessings,
Pastor Nancy
