Bishop Philip Wright is the head of the Anglican Church of Belize. Ordained in 1992 and appointed Bishop in 2005, I am told he was the youngest Bishop in the worldwide Anglican Church. It is an honor to call him a friend.
Recently he posted a letter on the church website that struck me as beautiful and wise. So with his permission I have reposted it here. I hope you find it as uplifting and encouraging as I do this New Year’s Eve!
ANGLICAN NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE
BY
BISHOP PHILIP WRIGHT
My Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The start of a new year naturally gives us the sense of a fresh start, a new beginning. We are sometimes made to feel that the past can be put behind us and we can now forge forward into the future with a new hope and revived vigour. Beyond making the resolutions on New Year’s Eve, we can believe that 2013 will bring with it new possibilities, new opportunities, and a new life.
Yet, the reality is that for many not much will change unless certain changes are made in their life. Most significantly, among the changes that need to be made may very well be one’s way of thinking and one’s attitude toward life. Despite the many other changes (jobs, location, friends, etc.) one may make, this one stands out as the most important.
The Bible speaks of the renewing of the mind through our relationship with God in Christ. This relationship is the key. So often the adjustments needed to move one’s life in a new direction come from gaining new insights that are the results of viewing the world through “God’s eyes”. This perspective allows us to look honestly at ourselves and at others; to find what is best in yourself and others; to seek the truth and not be comfortable with deception; to search for the proverbial ‘half-full glass’ and not always be pessimistic about things; to find joy and laughter in the midst of what can otherwise produce misery and despair. It may sound too good to be true, but these things are possible through a strong relationship with God built on love and trust in Him. Our daily walk with God in prayer, meditation and studying the Bible, coupled with our regular attendance at divine worship, will make this relationship move from strength to strength. We will also see our relationships with each other improve, especially if we purposely seek to do these things together – as a family and as a Church.
What a wonderful way to begin the New Year by recommitting ourselves to God and to one another. May we also recommit ourselves to the Church, and the work of the Church. Let us endeavour to put our best efforts forward to be what the VISION our Diocese has been calling us to become:
“A CHRIST-CENTERED, SPIRIT-FILLED, AND VIBRANT AND GROWING COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF ALL GOD’ PEOPLE”
May God richly bless each and every one of you throughout the coming year and beyond.