New Year and Old Things

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, it's easy to get caught up in the desire to make resolutions and pursue new goals. While there's nothing wrong with setting intentions for personal growth, it's important to remember that the Christian faith is not built on our progress or new ideas but on the forever-enduring truths of God's Word.
The Apostle Jude writes, "Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3). In a culture obsessed with innovation, we are reminded that the Christian life is not about discovering something new but about returning to the truths once and for all delivered to the saints. In a sense, it is about remembering the “old things.” These "old things”, the gospel, the sacraments, and the fellowship of believers, have sustained the Church through the centuries and will continue to do so “until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,[a] to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:13)
For those of us in the cigar community, this idea resonates deeply. A fine cigar is more than just tobacco; it is a connection to a rich history, to traditions handed down over generations. Each draw invites us to slow down and reflect, much like our faith calls us to pause and remember what God has done. Like the gospel, Cigars remind us of the beauty in preserving what is timeless and valuing craftsmanship and enduring truths over fleeting trends.
In the coming year, let us not focus solely on what we can achieve or on personal growth, but on what God has already done through Christ. Let us look back at the faith once delivered, not in nostalgia, but in gratitude and conviction. Just as the skill of a master roller is reflected in every leaf and band, so the unchanging gospel throughout history testifies to the faithfulness and unchanging nature of our God
As we reflect on the past year, may we be reminded of God's faithfulness, His unchanging character, and the eternal truths that give us hope. Rather than seeking novelty, let's seek to deepen our roots in the "old paths" of God's Word and His grace. Let’s savor them as we would a well-aged cigar, appreciating their richness and depth, knowing they have stood the test of time.
Here’s to a new year grounded in timeless truths, fueled by gratitude, and filled with the steadfast joy of walking with the God who never changes.

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