December 31, 2021

When Jesus turned and saw them following, he asked, “What are you looking for?” They said, “Rabbi (Teacher), where are you staying?” He replied, “Come and see.” So, they went and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. (John 1:37-39 CEB Adapted)

As I sit at my desk and think about the past week, there is much that has been wonderful and wonderfully normal. We were able to worship on Christmas Eve, and light candles that symbolize the light of Christ that came into the world that the darkness cannot overcome. We spent time with our children, their spouses, and our grandchildren. We laughed and ate and shared gifts and made new memories, shed some tears of joy and sadness. A very normal Christmas week spanning Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve.

We also had conversations about how surprising and frustrating and exhausting and scary it is to be amid the pandemic that is spreading like wildfire all around us. Jesus’ question to the two disciples of John the baptizer who had left John to follow Jesus, “What are you looking for?” is a question that hits home this New Year’s Eve. Their answer, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” implies a desire to know him better by spending time with him. Jesus’ answer was an invitation, “Come and see.” So, they went and saw where he was staying, and they remained with Jesus that day.

That seems to be enough for me as a new year begins. I want to follow Jesus. I want to see where Jesus is staying, what Jesus is up to, and I want to remain with him each day. The Greek word for remain is meno (abide). In Jesus’ farewell discourse to his disciples, he says, “Abide in me as I abide in you.”  

I want to step into the mystery that is abiding in Jesus’ presence, even as he abides in me, for this day and every day.

Abide – a good word for a new year. ~ Anne