Daily Guidelines: December 31, 2018

December 31, 2018 – Monday
Gospel:  John 1:18

"All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.”

As each year comes to a close, I often spend time looking back over the year that was.  I try to recall as much as I can of what happened, giving thanks for both the good and bad things.  No matter how good or bad the year was, it always ends up with the conclusion that God was in control of everything.  And whenever that grace comes to me in prayer, I stand in awe of God’s power and love.  His power because He makes everything happen at the right time.  His love because He never leaves nor forsakes me.  Finishing the year like this is a great way to prepare for the year ahead, because you look forward to it in hope knowing that God stands waiting with His plan.  And no matter how good or bad the new year will be, you can be certain God will be faithful.

Reflecting on today’s gospel reading gave me that same reassurance.  Fittingly, the passage for the last day of the year is the first passage of the Gospel of John.  Our Lord Jesus is the beginning and the end, the alpha and the omega.  All things were made through Him, says St John.  That means everything, big or small.  Nothing that has happened and will happen in our life is not known by God.  But more importantly, nothing will happen in our life that God will not accompany us and see us through.

What was your 2018 like and where did you see the Lord at work? 

Lord, we thank You for helping us through the past year.  We give you honor and praise for Your graces and blessings, especially through the most difficult moments of the year.  May You be ever faithful to us in this coming year.