At Christmas, the New Year and at Epiphany messages of good will are in abundance on attractive cards. On New Year's Day we may look at our diary and read the thought for the day. Very often we are glad of such helpful words in season.
A dear friend of mine longed to become a convinced believer, he would liken himself to the poet Thomas Hardy. The poet's yearning for faith comes out in a little poem he wrote about a thrush singing and he says of the thrush, he has "some blessed Hope, whereof he knew: and I was unaware". We think of those who wish to believe yet in all honesty cannot.
When my friend was nearing the end of life here I found a little card with just five words on it, "One day at a time", and gave it to him. From that moment until he died he treasured the card. The motto, "One day at a time", did something for him. Such sayings can help more than we might realise. It can help as we start a new year, "One day at a time".
At the heart of the Lord's prayer we have the same wisdom and vision, "Give us this day our daily bread". Believers resolving to keep in daily touch with the author and source of faith, hope and love notice the prayer book emphasis about prayer daily throughout the year. Making a firm decision and persisting daily in journeying from the east, the wise men proceed one day at a time.
And by the light of that same star
The wise men came from country far,
To seek for a king was their intent
And follow the star wherever it went
Like the Magi we are seeking God a step at a time, daily. As the hymn chorus says:
And it's from the old I travel to the new,
Keep me travelling along with you.
Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem and rejoiced. The wise men after their long daily trek were filled with exceeding great joy. The shepherds were convinced by their visit to the holy child.
We can begin the new year by deciding to restore or strengthen the practice of heeding the guiding star each day. of being honest with Him and with ourselves. By using the time of prayer, "One day at a time", to adore Christ, to confess to Him and thank Him and pray we will find His loving influence is changing us more and more in 1997.
Day by day,
Dear Lord, of thee three things I pray:
To see thee more clearly,
Love thee more dearly,
Follow thee more nearly,
Day by day.