New beginnings

Through the first few weeks of December, southwestern Ontario was pummeled with snowstorms that led to people referring to the winter blasts as "Snowmageddon". I, along with many others, was hard pressed to stay on top of snow removal around my house. There were many areas in which the snow, despite my best snow-thrower-aided efforts, accumulated and could not be removed.

The past 2 days we have had a thaw which has included temperatures in the positive range as well as significant amounts of rain. This provided an opportunity, which I took advantage of this morning, to complete nature's work in removing the snow and ice from around my residence.

The snow will be back. But the thaw has allowed me to clean up and start over in terms of keeping my home's driveway, walkways, and entrances free from the remnants of Snowmageddon's fury. This is a fresh start.

And today represents, though in Christ every day represents the same thing, a fresh start in our walks with Christ. A day to resolve to pursue Christ, behold Christ, love Christ, commune with Christ, and preach and proclaim Christ. This is primarily a process of allowing the Holy Spirit to submerge us in the deluge of Christ's grace. We come under this grace in His Word, in His body, in His sacraments, and in His presence.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14 ESV)