Looking Back – Looking Forward
Rev. Nan Swanson
December 29, 2024
This Sunday, the last Sunday of the year, is often called the Feast of the Holy Family and it holds deep personal significance. It bridges the sacred and the secular, reflecting how these dimensions intertwine in our lives. Last week, we celebrated the arrival of Immanuel, God with us—God’s presence bringing hope, purpose, and meaning to our lives. Now, as we prepare to step into a new year, this Sunday provides a space to reflect on the past and anticipate the future. This dual perspective mirrors the Roman god Janus, who symbolizes looking both backward and forward, encouraging us to seek wisdom from our experiences.
2024: Challenging and Transformative
The events of 2024 were both challenging and transformative. Highlights include a contentious presidential election, global instability caused by two major wars, and the ongoing impact of climate change. Yet, beyond the headlines, quieter discoveries also revealed God’s creativity at work. Scientists mapped the tiny brain of a fruit fly, a feat that may shed light on human cognition. Meanwhile, NASA identified a “super-Earth,” TOI-715-b, potentially habitable and located 137 light-years away. Both the microscopic and cosmic realms testify to God’s ingenuity and the interconnectedness of creation.
In another realm, art illuminated history. In Patagonia, nearly 900 cave paintings, possibly spanning 100 generations, were uncovered. These depictions reveal humanity’s enduring impulse to create, a reflection of God’s ongoing work in the world. These discoveries, while seemingly small or distant, inspire hope and remind us that God’s hand is present in both the minutiae and the vastness of existence.
In Darkness, Light Shines the Brightest
As 2025 approaches, the challenges before us—divisiveness, mistrust, and the erosion of truth—may feel daunting. However, it is in such darkness that light shines the brightest. We are called to seek what is strong, creative, enduring, and loving enough to guide us: God. In God, we find the power to heal fractures and build wholeness.
This time of reflection prompts us to consider changes that can bring greater meaning and wholeness to our lives and the world. The book of Colossians chapter 3 offers a roadmap for this transformation, urging us to “clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” These virtues foster empathy, patience, and an active concern for others, providing a foundation for peace and harmony. As peace rules our hearts, the word of Christ can dwell richly within us, infusing our lives with purpose and strength.
Seek Wisdom and Embrace God’s Presence
Jesus’ own story as a child visiting the temple underscores the importance of seeking wisdom and embracing God’s presence. Worship, learning, and questioning enrich our lives, offering strength and meaning for our journey. While life’s path may not always be smooth, God’s presence remains steadfast, drawing us toward growth in our humanity and divinity.
As we embark on this new year, let us trust in God’s guidance, embracing the journey with open hearts. May we allow Christ’s peace to fill us and God’s love to lead us toward greater wholeness, both individually and collectively.