I always look forward to the new year because it gives me the opportunity for a little self-examination, as well as some new thinking.

For you, the past year may have been a winner. Or maybe it has been close, but no trophy. Or perhaps it has been a tough one. No matter what last year was like, the new year looms with the promise of new horizons.

In anticipation, there is the ingredient of surrender. The Bible says, "You do not know what a day may bring forth" (Proverbs 27: 1), but it doesn't say that we are to simply put our feet up and watch the world go by. We are to plan, to dream, to remember God's blessings in the past, and anticipate what He has for us in the coming year.

Whatever you do, please do not wake up on January 1 without a new challenge before you. Plan for success; believe for God's blessing. Concentrate on the positive aspects of your ministry. Surround yourself with spiritual people. Study hard and be prepared. Love what you do and the people you serve. And laugh a lot. Trust God for your direction. I know it sounds simplistic, but consider the alternative? It's up to you!

My life verse continues to be the most quoted scripture in the Old Testament: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV). Happy New Year, my colleague!

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD" (Psalm 37:23, NKJV).

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). That is the message of Christmas in a nutshell. At just the right time, in just the right way, our heavenly Father stepped out of heaven with a baby in His arms and laid His Son in a manger. As John noted, "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him" (1 John 4:9).

It is not always easy to love others. It is not always pleasant to work for peace. But what would it be like in your congregation if, as you worship together this coming weekend, those in the service were challenged to "drop the charges," to rid themselves of any bitterness or anger toward others, to be compassionate and forgiving, even as they have been forgiven through Jesus Christ? What if they were challenged to show God's love to one another by extending forgiveness and peace?

I strongly believe that many under your influence would have a much happier Christmas if they would just release those they hold in debt, due to broken relationships. "Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you" (Matthew 5:48).

I guess it’s about time that I talk about Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. You already know that I am a big sports fan, football fan, and Tim Tebow fan — not as big a fan as my long-time assistant, Sue McFadden, but I don’t know if anyone could be a bigger Bronco or Tebow fan than she is. It makes me genuinely smile to watch her enthusiasm.

Yesterday, Tebow did it again — although, if you listen to him in interviews, he is the first to recognize his fellow teammates, coaches, and even the fans. Tebow and his team pulled out another fourth quarter miracle to tie their game against the Chicago Bears with a last-second 59-yard field goal, and then they forced a fumble and managed to win the game on a 51-yard field goal in overtime. That victory means Tebow has a 7 – 1 record as a starting quarterback this year, and has led his team back to a win in the fourth quarter or overtime five times during that streak. All of the sports anchors and analysts keep asking, “How does he do it?”

If you sat down privately with Tebow, I believe he would tell you that it is not because of anything he is able to do better than anyone else. In fact, I don’t believe he would take any of the credit. Instead, he would tell you that all he wants to do is glorify his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That’s where he feels the credit belongs. And I have a feeling that you might answer the same way. I believe you know that the credit for all of your successes and your ability to handle the defeats belongs to Christ working in your life.

I remember hearing a phrase years ago by an aging gospel singer — “Just remember, God don’t make no junk!” It was in reference to a person feeling down on himself. The feeling of worthlessness can come and go, as can the feeling of great joy, especially during the holidays. But, if we’re not careful, we will minimize God’s creation and His investment in our lives and ministry.

I want you to take a few moments and just give God thanks for who you are — thank Him for your talent, your personality, your voice, your mind, your ability to learn and project your thoughts into sermons. Thank Him for those moments when He gives you insight into other people’s challenges and, with a word, you are able to make their lives different. Thank Him for a gentle spirit that allows you to be still and listen to His direction for your next steps.

Whatever you do, please do not hang your head and bemoan your lot. Think of those many ways God has used you, blessed you, anointed you, and chosen you for a “miracle moment.”

Enjoy this Advent season with those who mean so much to you, and thank our Lord for making you unique. Like a wide-eyed child, celebrate God’s creativity and His wondrous gift to you in the Baby of Bethlehem.

“If anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

We are now in the week between the Second and Third Sundays of Advent. Let me offer a word of caution to you as your schedule fills up.

I have walked through many rose gardens in my life, but have seldom stopped long enough to smell the roses. As I look back, I realize how sad that is. Do you stop to smell the roses? Do you take time to enjoy the simple blessings of life, or do you just rush through those times and later regret missing something very special?

My prayer for you in this Advent season is that you will not become so busy in the "Christmas Garden" that you miss the sights and sounds that make it so meaningful. In spite of the demands of the season, you personally must take time to soak in the joy called Christmas.

How? Start by taking/making time to do simple things. Drive with your family through the brightly lit neighborhoods. Take your children out for hot chocolate or pancakes as a special treat. Or just sit and listen to them. Go for a walk with your spouse and reminisce about those memories that have meant so much. Or just sit in your sanctuary — alone — and plan the services around people that our Lord brings to your mind. Visit a nursing home with your staff or loved ones for some caroling. Just take time to let the little things become like individual roses in a lovely garden.

Whatever you do, don't miss the beauty of this wonderful time of the year.