What is the one word that best sums up 2022 for you?
For its ‘word of the year’ in 2022, The Collins English Dictionary has chosen ‘permacrisis’ – meaning ‘an extended period of instability and uncertainty’. Considering the on-going pandemic, war in Europe, droughts, floods, famine and wildfires of climate change, political instability, and now a truly frightening cost-of-living crisis, ‘permacrisis’ is a good description!
No wonder if our Christmas celebrations and ‘Happy New Year’ hopes may be a bit muted this year. Many people are deeply worried about the future.
And yet as Christians, we have somewhere to turn, Someone to turn to, for comfort and for reassurance that we are not forsaken, and that we need not be overwhelmed by whatever 2023 may bring to us. God can be our strength, a trusted refuge in times of trouble.
As a church magazine editor, you are ideally placed to remind people of this: both the people in your church and also the people in your community who get the magazine.
You might consider and working out a plan with your minister, for including an article and Bible verse in your magazine each month that will serve to encourage your readers to turn to God, and ask Him for help.
For January, we can offer you these well-loved promises that you might include in your magazine:
Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. (Psalm 55:22)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5,6)
Both are good verses to memorise for 2023!
With warm wishes for a blessed and happy Christmas
Anne Coomes and the Parish Pump Team