Isaiah 62:6 – I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. (NIV)

Although some people have indicated they have had enough of Y2K, I can't pass up the opportunity to pass on some significant observations about the way the New Year was celebrated. First of all, I was awe-struck by the way the entire world was able to come together and celebrate a single event in a peaceful way. As the time zones swept onward around the world, more and more voices were added. And, from God's point of view, He must have designed the world in such a way that when some of us are sleeping on one side of the world, others of us are awake and able to pray and praise God. The same thing happens on a Sunday, as people around the world gather to worship God, time-zone after time-zone.

As o'er each continent and island
The dawn leads on another day,
The voice of prayer is never silent,
Nor dies the strain of praise away.

A second observation relates to my own personal prayer that Jesus Christ would be glorified through this celebration. For me, the highlight of the New Year's Eve Day television broadcast came when the celebration focussed on Bethlehem, where 2000 doves were being released. The commentator said, very meaningfully, "This is Bethlehem, where Jesus Christ was born 2000 years ago. This is where it all started." The Year 2000 celebration was just as much about Jesus as Christmas is. My prayer was answered. Jesus did get the glory.

Prayer: Thank You, O God, for the amazing way that You have made the world, so that there is always someone awake to praise You. I join those who are awake now to lift my voice in giving praise and glory to You. And thank You, that having made the world, You chose to be born into it 2000 years ago to release us from the curse of our sin. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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About the author:

Robin Ross <rross@telus.net>
Mission, British Columbia, Canada
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