Marginal Christianity

We inevitably associate hope and New Years. Ever optimistic we pine for and pin our hopes for some change in our lives or nation or world on the mere flip of a calendar page. Even many in the church buy into this version of pagan mysticism. I believe, however, that this version of hope is -more optimism than hope -more Western than biblical -focused on big victories, large accomplishments worthy of grand celebrations -beset by expectations galore -accomplished by a few but never many Biblical hope, however, cuts much deeper than such optimism-laced expectations. It garners little fanfare and breeds few large-scale parties. People like Debie Thomas know and practice such hope ( The Christian Century (December 4, 2019). She’s the mother of a child with debilitating chronic pain. Caring for him is time-consuming, exhausting, and expensive with no hope of a respite. It won’t change with a flip of a calendar page. The stories of hope she inclines to in her situ...

  Posted: 28 Dec 2013 10:05 PM PST O Lord, our Father! We have gathered here at the turn of the year because we do not want to be alone but want to be with each other, and together be united with you. Our hearts are filled with somber thoughts as we reflect on our misdeeds of the past year. And our ears are deafened by the voices of the radio and in the newspapers, with their numerous predictions for the coming year. Instead we want to hear your word, your voice, your assurance, your guidance. We know that you are in our midst, and are eager to give us all that we need, whether we ask or not. On this night we ask for one thing only: that you collect our scattered thoughts, getting rid of the confused and defiant thoughts that may distract us, and thus enable us to concentrate on your limitless generosity to us. You were abundantly generous to us last year, and will be no less generous to us next year, and in every year to come. Fill us with gratitude t...