Dearly beloved in Christ,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The year 2024 has begun, and uncertainty lies ahead. Last year was not auspicious, with the clouds of unrest everywhere. The world was rocked by brutal murders and senseless exodus, witnessing the tragedy of religion being used for selfish gain. The poison of hatred has spread unstoppably throughout the world, and the world is watching for any possible cures.

It is impossible to predict the course of the world. Good times may not be ahead. War often arises from a lack of respect for neighbors' boundaries, leading to ethnic violence. The illusion that neighbors are robbing opportunities can result in race riots. Many people desire an end to war and strife, yet these conflicts are fueled by those seeking power and profit through the sale of military equipment. Ultimately, these endeavors may culminate in disappointment.

Even in the face of such challenges, God remains the only one who controls and gives hope in history.

"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope. Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him, it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord:' (Lamentation 3:22- 26)

Jeremiah through these words reminds us that: In times of challenge, remembering God's unfailing love and compassion that brings hope.

Embrace patience and quiet trust, for the Lord's goodness is steadfast, and salvation awaits those who place their hope in Him.

NewTestament also says that the crucifixion is never the end, the resurrection is the final reality. With this new hope and aspirations, we enter into a new year, each with our own vision for the future.

A teacher asked one of his students about his plan for his future. The student shared his wish of good job and setting up of a good family. The teacher replied. Young man your plans are too small. They can extend only 75 or 100 years at the most. You must take your plans big enough to include God and replied. Young man your plans are too small. They can extend only 75 or 100 years at the most. You must take your plans big enough to include God and large enough to include eternity. Yes when we plan, we should plan according to the will of God with an eye on eternity.

In his painting an allegory of prudence, 16th century Venetian artist Titian portrayed Prudence as a man with three heads. One head was of a youth facing the future, another was of a mature man eyeing the present, and the third was of a wise old man gazing at the past. Over their heads Titian wrote a Latin phrase that means, from the example of the past, the man of the present act prudently so as not to in peril the future. For a successful life we have to carefully evaluate our past, cautiously act in our present and vigilantly move to the future.

Recently I read a meaningful prayer which is used in New Year service, it reads like this: Father, we surrender this past year and give it up to you. We give our failures, our regrets, and our disappointments, for we have no more use for them make us now a new people, forgetting what lies behind and pressing on toward that which lies ahead of us. We give you all hopes and dreams for the future. Purify them by your spirit so that our will shall truly reflect Your will for us. As we stand on the threshold of another year, encourage us by the Success of the past, challenge us by the power of your word and guide us by the presence of your holy spirit. With confidence in God, we can look back and look ahead, walking boldly into the new year.

Let me conclude this message by quoting Isaiah 43:1-2, "But now, this is what the Lord says - he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel. "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

Wishing you all a blessed and prosperous New Year.

With prayers,

Rev. Vinoy Daniel