Happy Birthday Liverpool

With all the hype over Capital of Culture, it would be easy to forget that this year Liverpool celebrates its 800^th birthday. Actually, it is older than that, but in 1207 King John granted the town a charter giving its citizens certain rights. John, of course, wanted something in return. The old pool and castle ensured that this would be a safe harbour for his ships whilst preparing for an invasion of Ireland. Whatever the history, this year will be a year of celebration with lots going on. The council even want street parties to rival those of the Coronation in 1953. (This is where I feel old as I remember both the Coronation and the celebrations for Liverpool’s 750^th birthday in 1957!)

Of course, we want this to be a success and we wish Liverpool well, just as we wish everyone a Happy New Year. However, I am aware for some people the New Year may not prove happy. Perhaps they are going through a worrying time, or are fearful of something that is due to happen in the weeks and months ahead. Maybe this is the first New Year without the company of a loved one and they are wondering how they are going to cope during the year ahead.

None of us can know for certain what the year ahead holds. This time last year Gill and I had no idea that during 2006 we would be attending the funerals of Gill’s Aunt, Uncle and both her parents. At New Year we hope for a good twelve months ahead, and it may well be, but it may turn out an ‘annus horibilis’, to quote Her Majesty.

So then, if life can be so variable is their anything or anyone that can be relied on to be constant? For the believer the answer to that question has to be the love of God as found in Jesus. The Bible says of him: ‘Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and for ever.’ (Hebrews 13:8). This means the Christ who loved us so much that he humbled himself to be born in a stable in Bethlehem that first Christmas: the Christ who loved us so much that he gave himself up to be crucified for our sins at Easter, still loves us and cares for us 2000 years later.

For me, 2007 is another Birthday. Forty years ago this summer, I made a decision to follow that same Jesus. Since then, life has thrown at me many things, some good, some bad, some that have made me very happy, and some that have brought me to the gates of despair, but in all of these things Jesus and his love has been constant. I know many people at St. David’s who could say the same; lots of whom have followed Jesus for much longer than me.

Some of you will be making New Year resolutions. Usually we choose resolutions that we hope will make our life just that bit better. Why not make the decision to get to know Jesus? From experience I know it will be the best decision you can make – better than all the other resolutions put together. Then, whatever the year ahead brings, you will have the joy of knowing the constancy of Christ’s love.

Wishing you every blessing for the year ahead

Dave