Coming in to land at the end of another year

Fr Alvan Ibeh, reflects on another year coming to an end in his Voice of Hope column, and says that  each step, whether joyful or challenging, has brought us closer to growth, wisdom and understanding.

As we approach the final moments of 2024, let us pause to reflect on the journey we’ve travelled this year. At the beginning of the year, I welcomed all of us on board the flight 2024.

If you are reading this December edition, it means you have at least made it thus far and my prayer is that we will all be amongst those who will make it to the final landing. But St Paul in Romans 9:16 reminds us, “So then it is not of Him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.”

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, let us reflect on the journey of 2024 with gratitude and purpose. We all may have different stories to tell about our 2024 journey. Some may be ending the year with great joy and satisfaction having achieved everything they set out to achieve at the beginning of the year. Others may have a completely different story to tell about their own journey. But whatever be the case, all we can say is “To God be all the glory”, that we were able to see the end of the year, without the year seeing our end. 

Every challenge faced was a lesson learned, every triumph a testament to our resilience. This year may have tested us, but it also proved our strength, adaptability and determination to rise above.  Each step, whether joyful or challenging, has brought us closer to growth, wisdom and understanding. The lessons we have learned the love we have shared, and the resilience we have shown are the gifts we carry into the New Year.

As we move into 2025, we should carry with us the wisdom of the past and the hope of what is to come. We should be mindful of the fact that it’s not the calendar that changes our destiny but the actions we take and the mindset we choose.

We must commit to being bold, to dreaming bigger, and to embracing every opportunity with courage. But for this to be possible, we must not carry over to 2025 anything that is unnecessary for a new beginning – the hates, hurts, regrets, disappointments, etc.  We can only give thanks for them (“In everything give thanks”, 1Thessalonians 5:18) and then see them as opportunities of growth and self discovery.

This is a sacred moment to let go of what no longer serves us – old doubts, fears, and regrets – and to embrace the infinite possibilities that await us. As the year draws to a close, may we find peace in knowing that every ending is but a new beginning, and every challenge holds the seeds of transformation. Let us step into 2025 with hearts full of gratitude to God for the blessings we have received and faith in the path ahead.

May you find light in your spirit, strength in your soul, and love surrounding you in all that you do. I wish you a safe landing at the end of the year and a smooth take off in the New Year.

Do not forget, “God is still in charge”.

The Vol 2 of my book “A Fountain of Hope” will be out in the New Year by God’s grace. I believe it will also bless your heart as the first Volume did.

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