Yesterday afternoon we saw New Zealand and Australia ‘welcoming in’ 2024. Then, as the Big Ben struck midnight, we saw a spectacular display of fireworks and lights over the London skyline. We ‘welcomed in’ 2024.
The picture that I’ve imagined until now has me standing behind a door. 2024 knocks. I open the door and say, ‘Good morning, 2024. Do come in. You’re very welcome…’
‘Welcome’ comes from the old English ‘wilcuma’ meaning ‘welcome guest’… from willa ‘pleasure, desire, choice’ and cuma ‘guest,’ related to cuman ‘to come.’
So I choose; I invite 2024 to enter as a welcome guest… But I can’t stop him! He’s coming in whether he’s welcome or not!
Yesterday, Mel led our church service. Talking about looking back over 2023 and looking forward to 2024, she invited us:
‘Come to the giver of life… Come… If you’re feeling overwhelmed or exhausted… Come. If you’re feeling grateful or expectant… Come. If you’re feeling joyful or grievous… confident or doubtful… encouraged or frustrated… Come.’
I’m not some passive doorkeeper saying ‘Goodbye’, to 2023 and ‘Welcome’ to 2024. I’m actively involved.
Perhaps the picture of me welcoming 2024 is more like two strangers meeting. They know that they’re going to get to know each other very well in the future so they run towards each other, and embrace each other.
So I’m welcoming 2024 with…
…Anticipation: I shall actively, intentionally, look for the good. Yesterday my friend Mark was talking about ‘in all things God works for the good of those who love him.’ I’m excited to see what that looks like.
…Apprehension: For many 2024 will be a tough year. Already there are three funerals I shall be attending. Friends have health concerns and uncertain futures. I don’t know what my future holds.
…Appreciation: As I welcome and embrace 2024, I appreciate that my God, the giver of life, is also the giver of time… As I welcome Him into my 2024, he welcomes me to travel with Him.
malcolmsmusings.org 
Praise God for the new year and each and every day we’re blessed with. But it’s 2024 and it seems like we just went through the hoopla of the new millennium! 🙂
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Hi Malcolm
Every Blessing to you,Rachel and All your family. Many thanks for all your contributions in 2023.. For me it’s a time during the business of ministry to just fine in around lunchtime and reflect on your blog for the day
God Bless
Jo
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Thank you, Josephine. It’s good to hear from you. Wishing you a healthy and peaceful New Year.
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You’re right Nancy. Each day is a nlessing. The one thing we can be sure of in 2024 is that we can’t be sure how it will turn out.
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Anticipation, apprehension, appreciation – that’s good, Malcolm. Happy New Year!
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And a happy New Year to you and your family, too, Wynne.
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Your lovely thoughts are a gift for this new year. Thank you. May you find peace and even joy in your anticipation, apprehension, and appreciation. “God works for the good…” Yes. Amen.
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Thank you, Karen. I hope and pray that you too will know God working for good in 2024.
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Happy 2024! 🥳
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And a happy and healthy 2024 to you too, Addie.
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Your message made me smile………we were I n Auckland , watching the sky tower live, one of the earliest new years in the world
Go well
Caro
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Great to hear from you, Caro! We look forward to hearing more of your adventures and activities in 2024, and pray that you will know our God working for good in your work and family.
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Wonderful New Year’s post! Wishing you many blessings in this year 2024!
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Hoping that you also have a happy and healthy new year, Linda.
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