I begin my first column of the year with two images that have revealed themselves to me early on.
The first image is of water, specifically the torrential rains that have poured down on us! During one of the heavier storms we had here in Los Angeles, the story of Noah's Ark and the proverbial "40 days and 40 nights" came to my mind. As a new year's theme, I reflected that these rains were cleansing us to start the year anew and afresh, in the same way that the rains of Noah's time cleansed the earth so that all forms of life could begin anew and afresh.
The second image comes from the lunar calendar, which tells us that this is the year of the hare, or rabbit. Among its other abilities, the rabbit is able to leap over obstacles as it makes its way forward. I believe this is a great way to think about the new year, as life always presents its share of obstacles for us to overcome. This is true for us as individuals and especially for Centenary as a congregation.
A final image that resonates with the first two (I know I said I had two, but that was a minute ago) is that of a star.....Not just any star, but the one that guided the Magi (or "wise people") to the manger upon the birth of Jesus. According the story (found in Matthew 2), upon departing from the manger those wise people left for their own country "by another road." Whatever they experienced at the manger while being basked in the star's light, it resulted in a new, changed condition for them afterwards.
As we begin a new year together, I offer these images to you so that you can think of ways in which newness will be a part of your life throughout this year.
And, I offer them to you in the spirit of Jesus Christ, the One who represents a new covenant from God, and of whom the scriptures tell us is the One "who makes all things new."
Happy New Year!
Grace and Peace,
Reverend Mark M. Nakagawa
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