What will the new year look like? There are, of course, some aspects that will be beyond our control. But there will also be many things about the new year that will be affected by our choices. How might we appear to others as we dedicate ourselves anew to the service of Christ?

Born in York, England, Richard Rolle was one of the great spiritual leaders of early 14th century England.

"Yet as some may well remind us, there are people on fire with love for Christ, for we can see how utterly they despise the world and how wholly they are given over to the service of God. If we put our finger near a fire, we feel the heat; in much the same way a soul on fire with love feels, I say, a genuine warmth. Sometimes it is more, sometimes it is less: it depends on our particular capacity."

And now this warning from the Book of Revelation. Revelation 3:15,16 I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Set us on fire Lord in this new year! Amen.