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Viewpoint from Rev Clive Howard 20/01/2023
 Rev Clive Howard
Chaplain, James Paget University Hospital
A new hope!
The New Year is often characterised as the time for New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps for you, certainly for me, this will include a better diet and exercise; which I have managed some years while not so well on others! It is good to take time to stop, reflect, and review – then maybe have a fresh start
I remember the New Year in 2020 where the media focused a lot about the new decade; the years of austerity were behind us... Well we all know what happened that year – I dare say we’ll not forget! For many of us there will have been painful milestones during the period – perhaps through illness or loosing loved ones. Personally I had a major operation in the early months of the pandemic followed by a long recovery
 So while it is good to be positive at the beginning of a new year it doesn’t guarantee freedom from difficulty. In my role as hospital chaplain I meet people who know this only too well. I find it helpful reflecting on Isaiah 43:18-19
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert”
Isaiah is talking about the situation in his time, foretelling freedom for God’s people from exile and oppression. But at the same time there is a reference to a greater event. That is the freedom from sin that Jesus brings and whose birth we have just celebrated. As a Christian this gives me hope for the coming year. Whether it be in, new or old things, or good or bad; because Jesus offers hope to all in all circumstances
Many of the popular Christmas carols remind us of this great hope.
How silently, how silently
The wondrous Gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven
No ear may hear His coming
But in this world of sin
Where meek souls will receive Him still
The dear Christ enters in
(O Little Town of Bethlehem, Phillips Brooks)
This is such good news! Whatever 2023 year holds there is the promise of Jesus Christ, the saviour born on Christmas day. The gift has been given for our unwrapping
Wishing you all a hope filled New Year!
Every Blessing,
Clive Howard. a chaplain at James Paget University Hospital
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