2006 - Nice Knowing You!

By Pastor George Antonakos

In just a few hours, 2006 will pass into history. Last week's edition of News & Views recounted just some of the great things that God has done among us in the lives of people and in our life as a congregation this year. As I read the articles, I was reminded of the New Year's Eve Watch night service that Pastor Murray Smoot used to hold every year. Many among us still recall one of the highlights of that service.

Twelve candles would stand ready as symbols of each month of the year soon gone. Murray would light the first candle and then recite highlights of the month of January. Those highlights included major events in the life of the church - births, deaths, weddings, staff hirings, etc. This would be repeated for each month. When all the candles were lit, Murray would, in reverse order, extinguish each candle as he recited the second verse of the well-known hymn, "Abide with Me."

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; earth's joys grow dim, it's glories pass away; change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

The service would conclude with communion and always the singing of the same hymn. It was number 420 in the 1955 red hymnal - "Peace, Perfect Peace, in this dark World of Sin?" The beginning of each stanza poses a question in the first line that is answered in the second line. For example, the title of the hymn is the first line of the first stanza and is answered with these words in the second line - The blood of Jesus whispers peace within. The rest of the hymn's first lines reflect on the stresses and strains of living but always provides a word of comfort in the second lines. It was hard to get through that hymn without a tear or two being shed, because every year contains negatives as well as positives.

As we stand on the threshold of 2007, verse five of this hymn is pertinent.

Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown? Jesus we know and He is on the throne.

Whatever happens in the providence and sovereignty of our gracious God, we can be assured that Jesus is indeed on the throne of the universe. When by faith we enthrone him in our hearts and lives, we will be ready for anything in his perfect peace.

So, check out the balance of this issue as it points to a number of events and happenings that are already being planned for 2007. Please pray about your part in making it a year to remember!

Have a Blessed and Happy New Year!