2008!

... is upon us.

Happy New Year!

Several hours ago, we crossed the line from 'the year of our Lord - two thousand and seven', into 'the year of our Lord - two thousand and eight'.

We've had one more year of blessings, of grace, of testings and tryings; one more year of opportunities, experiences, and conquered frontiers. And I know that I've received a portion of blessings of which I am profoundly undeserving - and a measure of grace which I cannot claim. I've been brought through dangers, toils, and snares - some of my own making, others of my own earning. 'Tis grace, my friends, that has brought us safe thus far - and grace will lead us home.

And most of all, we're one year closer to that day 'which no man knoweth, no, not the angels in heaven, neither the Son, but only the Father' when the Lord will return in clouds of glory, with all the holy angels with Him. Lord, haste the day, when our faith shall be made sight.

This, my friends, is reason to celebrate. Reason to give thanks and reason to rejoice, for we can enter this day, this year, and the days and years to come, with a great hope which others may not have, because it is truly 'the year of our Lord.'

May the Lord bless you abundantly. May He guide your steps and direct your paths. May He go before you as a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night. May He cause His face to shine upon, to protect and defend you, to keep you, and give you peace.


So rejoice! Give thanks! And celebrate the year of our Lord - Two Thousand and Eight! :D