December 31, 2023: Old Year's Night

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7, ESV)
 
Many parts of the world do not celebrate New Year's Eve. They celebrate Old Year's Night. When I have been in those nations, I often hear comments like, "I wish our nation celebrated New Year's Eve. It seems like we are always trying to hang onto the old." "Old Year's Night is so depressing compared to New Year's Eve.”

Each is a perspective of looking at something. One looks forward, and the other looks back. One celebrates the future, and the other celebrates the past. One thinks about where we are going, and the other reflects on where we have been. In actuality, New Year's Eve and Old Year's Night are just markers, time designations on a calendar.

It is what you do with your life today that counts. As Paul, I want to press on to the high calling in Christ Jesus. I will celebrate the victories of last year. Learn from my mistakes and press on. I will set my face like flint towards my future—to become all God has called me to be and to accomplish all He has given me to do. I will not let my past stop me, nor will I be afraid of the future before me. So, whether I am looking back or looking ahead, where I am right now is what matters. I will keep my eyes on the prize and run to finish this race.