Navigating change: finding light and hope in a new year

After one of the most tumultuous presidential elections in years, on Jan. 21 there will be a change in the White House.

For some, it is a time of joy and for others, it is a time of sadness.

As I look back over the past year, I truly believe God places us in situations for a reason, even when we struggle to understand them.

Over the years in ministry I’ve always tried to be a moderate and to be used by God to mediate between parties who have disagreements, be it theological or social issues.

Sadly, some pretty mean things have been said to me because of choosing to be a moderate.

Some have even said that God will spit me out of his presence, which is a reference to the Book of Acts of the Apostles.

In these challenging times, I pray for the evil that has taken hold in our world to be overcome by the love of God.

I grew up in the era where the theme was, “all you need is love.”

As we begin a new year, may we each receive a new heart of understanding and compassion. May we all strive to be a source of light in the darkness.

We fight against the darkness, whether perceived or otherwise.

As followers of the way, God is our ultimate light.

In Ezekiel 36:26–27 it says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.”

In this passage, God is promising to replace the people’s “heart of stone” with a “heart of flesh.”

A “heart of stone” is a metaphor for the people’s rebellion, which God compares to being cold, stubborn, and unrepentant.

A “heart of flesh” represents a new ability to understand truth, a new desire for God, and a new spirit that loves him.

In Chinese culture, it’s good blessings to have your house face the east to allow the morning sun to enter.

It symbolizes a new beginnings and vitality at the beginning of each day.

Matthew, in his gospel of the life of Jesus, reminds us, “The people who were in the darkness saw a great light and to those in the shadow of death did the dawn come up.” 5:14

He then reminds us, “You are the light of the world.”

The question that faces us is, “Are we being the light of the world in our activities or are we being emissaries of the darkness?”

In some cultures, east facing homes are also associated with health, growth and opportunity.

East face homes also have beautiful sunsets in the west to remind of us the hope that exists in our world.

As my favorite movie reminds us, “Hope is a good thing. Perhaps the best of all things. Hope never dies.” — Shawshank Redemption

As we begin this New Year, may we to the best of our ability walk in the light of the love of God and share that light and love with all who live in darkness.

Rev. Frank Chlastak retired as senior minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Poplar Bluff in 2024. He is a graduate of Northeast Louisiana University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and has served congregations of the Christian Church in Louisiana, Arkansas, Virginia, Oklahoma and Missouri.