At this beginning of another new year I am reminded how I delight in new beginnings. From crisp clean sheets, to soft new stationery, to a clean page, to a new dress or just a new discovery. A fresh start fills my heart with hope.
2009 offers a potential new beginning to heal the heartaches of racial conflict as we inaugurate a new President. Our first African-American President will place his hand onthe Lincoln’s bible, symbolically affirming the reality of the American Dream. Failures in the past can be forgiven. Changes in the present demonstrate to a watching world that as a country we are willing to begin again, to restore,and to change. Whatever your political bent, we can unite in affirming this historic opportunity.
As Christians we worship a God of new beginnings, of new birth, new days, new opportunities. Lamentations 3:23 reminds us of God’s mercies new every morning and His great faithfulness. Isaiah 43:19 mirrors God’s creativity as He promises a new thing for his people. II Cor. 5:17 echoes the promise of becoming a new creation in Christ Jesus. Another promise of new, growing more attractive to me daily, is of a new body, especially as mine is wearing out. (I Cor. 15:54-55)
Last, but certainly not least important, Jesus provides cleansing from sin that gives us a new fresh start no matter how badly we have marred our lives. (I John 1) As we approach 2009 read Psalm 51, written from the broken heart of a liar, adulterer, and murderer. From it we gain confidence to bring our too present sin to Him for forgiveness, cleansing and a new beginning. Notice in verse 13 that the result of a new beginning is a desire to share God’s faithfulness with others. Fresh experiences of mercy prepare our hearts to be merciful to others as well.
Tapestry features leading Christian writers and thinkers who have come together to engage culture about the person and work of Jesus Christ. For more information about the contributors, please see the 
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