2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

English Standard Version

Each year the winter season brings more days of cloudy grayness, cold air, and the death or hibernation of living things. There is also the excited anticipation of the new year just around the corner. And all the possibilities for change that come with it.

During this season, I am always reminded of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5:17.

The winter season offers examples all around us of the “old” being “gone.” Trees lose their leaves. Green grass turns crunchy and brown. Eventually, winter dissipates with the coming of spring and we are offered examples of the promised newness. The dead ground gives life to new vegetation, and trees once again sprout budding leaves.

The same is true as we live our lives in Christ. Our old ways of thinking, relating to one another and to our God are gone. We are created anew to allow thoughts to be held captive by Him. To relate to others as fellow image bearers of God. To respond to God’s pursuit of us with thoughtful attention. In these ways and in so many more we are a new creation.

Our transformation as we live in Christ is continual. Like with the seasons of winter and spring there are old aspects of our lives that go away and are replaced with new creation. Every year. Every day.

In the coming new year, be encouraged that as you live in Christ, He makes you new. Today. Tomorrow. And throughout the coming year.

Go for a walk as a family and take notice of how things change in winter. What is old that has gone away? Take a moment to talk about how things will be created new in the spring.

God, thank you for bringing renewal to our lives each day. Even when we don’t notice.

—Cary Hendricks