The coming of the New Year reminds us of the passage of time. For some people, the thought of life ebbing away is depressing, even terrifying. Some people expect no existence beyond this life, no eternity beyond time. For them, a New Year’s Eve celebration expresses the ancient philosophy: “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.”

Those who have trusted Christ as Savior have been delivered from such hopelessness. Christians are given a different perspective on the passage of time: “Our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11). Or, in the words of Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase: “God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work He began when we first believed” (The Message). For those who know Jesus, every day brings us a little closer to the satisfaction of every good hope and the fulfillment of the potential for which we were created. Those who look forward to Christ’s return, realize that the passage of time means that we’re nearer home than when we first believed.

Several years ago, the J. Walter Thompson advertising firm in Chicago posted ads saying: “You have 24 hours to live.” In smaller type below, the ad continued: “Today that is.”

So God has entrusted to each one of us the stewardship (management) of time. He calls us to serve Him today as we look forward to the great tomorrow when time will be absorbed by the splendor of eternity. Happy New Year!

Pastor Randy