Happy new year! Naturally I am used to working over Christmas but this year I stumbled upon an unfortunate Christmas-avoidance strategy – get covid. But I am out of isolation now and well, safe to interact with the world. Thank you to all who prayed for me.

Whenever a new year begins, there are hopes for better things – better times ahead for each of us, progress in the fight against the pandemic, maybe even getting fitter/thinner etc. My optimistic pre-covid gym has already tried to lure me back, but the rowing machine and weights in my spare room are signs that I’m not temptable!

I find myself thinking about the best new start I ever made – becoming a follower of Jesus. I didn’t come from a church-going family but when I was a teenager someone gave me a Bible. I read it and discovered that God loves me, sent Jesus to rescue me and I could leave behind the pain/sin/regrets of yesteryear. That’s the same good news that Christians have celebrated ever since Jesus came.

Like many of us, I enjoy ‘Match of the Day’ and it’s part of my weekend. One of the things that Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and co love to talk about is when a game-changing substitute comes on and turns things around in a match. I think of Jesus rather like that on a much bigger scale – He changes everything and proves to be what people have been missing and wanting. Whatever the new year brings, I hope you will find some of his love, light and peace in your own life.

Wishing you God’s best,

David