THE WORD: Another year has gone by

“The Magpie” by Claude Monet (1869) is a painting in the collection of the Musée d'Orsay, Paris (Public Domain). Monet painted over 100 snowscapes and this painting is one of his largest in size and in popularity. “The Magpie” is also one of Monet’s first paintings using colored shadows (they are shades of blue, rather than shades of grey).

We say goodbye to 2020 this week. For most, 2020 will be an unforgettable year. Many are also happy to see this year come to an end. Fear was a driver of much of 2020. Fear of pandemics, government actions, elections and riots were hallmarks of 2020.

The end of a year also marks the transition to a new year. A time for calm and reflection is in order. The year 2020 brought uncertainty, unrest and unexpected loss, but the promises of Jesus remain intact. The Bible reminds us that even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, God is with us. The end of the journey — no matter how hard — is eternity for those who believe in Christ.

John 14:27

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.