Dear Families of the Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph,

Welcome to 2018. Let us praise the Holy Trinity for this great privilege. The past year was filled with varied experiences: good, difficult, bitter, expected, unexpected, pleasant, and/or indifferent. A new year calls for new decisions, and to turn a new chapter in our lives. The blessed Apostle Paul says in his second letter to Corinth, “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” (2 Cor 5:17 NRSV)

As we move into 2018, I would like to share a few thoughts which I would like you to meditate and work on as individuals & families:

Remember the past, live in the present, and plan/hope for the future.

Jeremiah 6:16 (NRSV): “Thus says the LORD: Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, “We will not walk in it.” As human beings, we are focused on the here and now. The bible speaks about faith of generations. We are here not because of our own doing, but rather, God’s divine purpose, and the living & dynamic faith & rich traditions which have been passed on to us. While we look at our lives, we need to understand that we are not people of the present, but also of the past and future. Without building our spiritual roots in the present, how can there be a future? Let us not be the weak or broken link of faith, but rather a strong link of faith for the coming generations.

Focus on resolutions & Christ-centered living in the new year.

The new year always brings the need for resolutions. When we make any resolution with the Lord, it is meant to be kept and fulfilled. In the midst of our weaknesses/sins, or with the securities and resources the world offers, we can be tempted to drift away from His divine presence. 2018 is a call to respond to His invitation and return with a spirit of repentance & renewal. In essence, we need to reach a point where we can proclaim as Joshua did, by saying: “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

On behalf of my family and myself, we wish you and your families a blessed & Christ-centered New Year! May the blessings of God the Father, Son, & Holy Spirit, be with us all.

Sincerely,

Dennis Achen (Youth Chaplain)