Sparkling hats, crazy eye glasses, and hundreds, if not thousands, of people crammed into Times Square in the bitter cold.  Why do people make such a big deal of the new year?  I know some will take any opportunity as an excuse to celebrate, but the revelry of a new year appears to be universal.  Perhaps it’s the thought of something new, something different, the anticipation of what the new year will bring.  For many, I’m sure it’s also the idea that they have a chance at a new beginning, an opportunity for a fresh start.

We all like second chances.  Or thirds, or fourths.  It’s not easy getting things right the first time, and many times we make such a mess of things, the only solution is to start over from the beginning.  But does a new year really alter anything?  Is making resolutions and perhaps changing our behavior truly making us different?  We can change our actions and methods of living, but we’re still the same people.  We can’t really create anything new.  Turning over a new leaf may display different words, but it’s still the same book.

Fortunately, there is one who can truly make a difference in us, one who can recreate us and give us that second chance.  The Bible says in II Corinthians 5:17 that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”  When you receive the free gift of salvation from Christ, He comes into your life and recreates you.  Yes, you may look the same on the outside, and for a time, you may have some of the same habits and problems that you’ve always had.  But you are no longer the person you were at the core of your being.  And because of this, with His strength, you can change those habits and problems.  You not only turn over a new leaf, you begin operating from a whole new book.

The Bible also tells us of another time, a time somewhere in the future, when all things will change and become new.  Revelation 21:5 says, “Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.'”  New heavens and a new earth.  What a day that will be!  Receive His gift of a second chance.  Let Him change you from the inside out and begin making you new today.  Then you’ll be ready for that ultimate New Year.