I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 10: 9-10

Over the last couple of days, some friends have stopped over to catch up and reflect on Christmas with our families. Inevitably, the conversation turns as we then look forward to what the New Year will bring, but the new year is more than about planning and travel, right?

What are your expectations for the New Year? The significance of the new year is that it provides an opportunity to take stock of where we’ve been, where we are now and where we plan to be in the future.

Before we make any other choices, we must first consider the essential choices listed in the verses above. We either embrace Jesus for who He is, or we reject Him. There is a thief who comes to bring destruction and then there is Christ who wants us to have the most of this life and the next.

According to one commentator, “Jesus calls his followers, not to a dour, lifeless, miserable existence that squashes human potential, but to a rich, full, joyful life, one overflowing with meaningful activities under the personal favor and blessing of God and in continual fellowship with his people.”

Which definition do you embrace? Does or will your life reflect your belief?