‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Christmas Eve Eve Eve is here. How did we get here? Where did the year go? Let’s do a word of the year check-in. Have you grown through your word, your verse, or mantra for 2023? Have you chosen a word, verse or mantra for 2024?

In 2022 my word of the year was Serenity which means the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled. I think it is safe to say we would all love a calm, peaceful, and untroubled life. In reality, there will be many days the exact opposite. We can remember the serenity prayer and have the courage to change what we can. In today’s verse, we have the gift of the Holy Spirit, who also gives us the wisdom to discern what we can not control.

I also chose a mantra for 2022, “Live for Today,” which helped me to stay in the moment and surrender my tomorrows to God. Deborah and I have found it is easier to stick with a word for 365 days than it is a New Year’s resolution. Even more importantly, with God’s help, we grow from that word. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.