Letter from the Interim Moderator

Listening to people reflecting on the year that is passed, I suspect that many will not be sad to see the end of 2009. It has been a hard year for many. Economically, there has been a sharp rise in unemployment and, for those in work, life has become harder and less pleasant. Politically, the expenses scandal has undermined respect for parliament and poisoned public life. Far too many British servicemen and women have died in Afghanistan. And there has been no lightening of the ordinary pressures of life and trials of getting older. Altogether, for many, 2009 was not a good year. So, "ring out the old, ring in the new.!"

And yet the prospects of more of the same hangs over the new year also. In this time of uncertainty we may wonder how we can make the best of it, how we can prepare ourselves for the future. Here are some tips for 2010:

1} remember that God is there and he is not silent; don't be misled by the scepticism of the few and the indifference of the many - there are no compelling reasons for denying that God exists or that the Bible is his word to humanity,

2} reclaim an understanding of providence; God is ay work, receive what he has to give you with thankfulness, and look for his wisdom, especially in the things that you wish weren't happening; resentment, bitterness and anger are the greatest barriers to happiness,

3) and, lastly, lift up your head; live in the light of the Christmas story telling us that God is with us; look around you for signs of his presence, look upward in wonder, love and praise; and look forward, for he directs the course of history and one day he will fulfil all his promises, bringing this troubled world to an end and making all things new.