New Year, New Freedom

I recently began reading through the book The American Patriots Almanac by William Bennett and John T.E. Cribb. I have found it to be a magnificent work retelling the great history of our nation in a way that is concise and interesting. It reads like a daily devotional of American history. Each day tells of a different person, event, or place in America.

The book leads off with the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Lincoln. January 1st marks the historical date in which President Lincoln signed into law the freeing of all slaves in those rebellious states. With a stroke of his pen he dealt a strong blow to slavery. America would never be the same again.

There are so many things that are significant about this event. The one that stands out most to me is that the Emancipation was signed on January 1st. What great imagery that with a new year came freedom. January 1st is a day that holds so much hope and promise for people. We often look forward to what the future holds. We stand hopeful of what tomorrow brings. With a new year comes our own emancipation from the past. We welcome the new year as a chance to start over. We envision renewal.

The Proclamation states, "all persons held as slaves within any State, or designated part of a State...in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thencefoward, and forever free." I believe Christ made a similar proclamation when he arose from the grave. Maybe it reads something like this, "all persons held as slaves within any State, or designated part of a State...in rebellion against the Kingdom of God, shall be then, thencefoward, and forever free."

God grants us new mercies each and every day. Included in that is the new mercies of a new year. Let's break free from the chains of the past. Break free from the slavery of sin, poor choices, shortcomings, and downfalls. He who the Son sets free is free indeed. Enjoy this new year-new freedom and live in a way that demonstrates that you are FOREVER FREE.