A year can be experienced as going by quickly or slowly, depending upon what is happening in a person’s life and his or her anticipation or dread of those events. When troubles and frustrations are present, one month can seem as long as 52 weeks. When life is running smoothly, 525,600 minutes can seem as short as one day. It is wise for Christians to conduct a personal review of the year in light of Christ’s presence and nature.

It is helpful that Christmas comes so close to the end of the year and the approach of a new one. The close proximity reminds us that another name for Jesus is Immanuel, which means “God is with us”—through each of the 31,000,000+ seconds. Scripture records Jesus teaching that there would be trouble in the world, but that we should not be dismayed because he has overcome the world. As we look back over the past year and gain closure regarding the public and personal events of 2022, remember that the same Savior who was with us during 2022 will be with us as we move with hope into 2023.

Matthew 29:20 reminds us, “Look, I myself [Jesus] will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”

Spend a few minutes asking God to help you let go of last year and look ahead to the new year.