For me to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Philippians. 1:21 NKJV)
We are more than Conquerors! We have conquered the year! We have overcome all trials, temptations and troubles. Our Lord Jesus Christ showed us how. He strengthened us and guided us to victory—triumph after triumph. We have gained a lot this year. It has been a fruitful year. The Year of Increase is truly a blessing. We have increased in our faith, hope and love in Christ. We have gained a lot of knowledge, and developed patience, perseverance, discipline and humility. We have experienced lasting and genuine joy in our ministries, in our worship services and in our fellowship with each other. The Lord has blessed us even in our secular lives. It is true that if we seek first the Kingdom of God and live righteously, everything we need shall be provided. Life is a gain when we live for Christ and with Christ. For the rest who have not received the promised increase for this year, there is hope. A New Year is unfolding. The Acceptable Year of the Lord will be a better year for those who will submit themselves fully to Christ. In other words, we should die to ourselves to live in Christ. It means we shall not live to satisfy the desires of our carnal self. We are to avoid the lusts of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. We are to live by the will of Christ. Even if we die physically, still it is a gain. Spending our limited time serving and glorifying God will gain us eternal life. Spend 5, 10, 20 or even a hundred years in Christ will gain us everlasting life in heaven. Let us welcome the Year with high hope and a steadfast trust in God. Together, at the strike of 12 midnight let God Hear the Church. In one united voice let us give thanks, praises and exaltation in His name. At the beginning of the Year, let us pray for the Peace in the World, the success of the Mission and the spread of the Love of God to all people. That is what the world needs. The world is waiting for the Church to go and tell the world this Good news of the Kingdom. Bless us all.
