IT WAS about ten in the morning on New Year’s Day, and Ed was hurrying along the street to the bus terminal. The street was crowded, and the air was filled with the cheery calls of “Happy New Year!” as friends met and crossed paths. Ed had just reached the corner when he saw Len Carlson, a Christian who often spoke to Ed about his soul.
Ed’s first thought was to draw back, but it was too late now. He forced a smile, and as he met Len, he said, “Well, there, might as well wish you a Happy New Year!” Ed expected Len to give him a greeting in return, but Len’s greeting never came.
“Thank you, Ed,” said Len, “I — I wish I could wish the same of you. But it really wouldn’t be fair, or right...”
Ed stared at him. Was Len trying to be funny? “I know what you’re thinking, Ed,” Len said, “and believe me, I don’t say that to be unkind. I meant every word of that. I really can’t wish you a happy New Year...”
Ed exploded. “But why? Why not?”
“Why, Ed? Because as long as you are outside of Christ, it won’t be a new year at all. You’re still living in the same old grind of sin and nothing will really be new until you become a new creature in Him.”
Somehow those words struck Ed in a peculiar way. Deep down in his heart he knew that every word of it was true. They parted, and Ed got on the bus, but it was the most miserable ride he had taken in his life. When he reached his destination, he was glad to see an empty bench in the park, and he fell into it, all broken up deep inside. It was on that bench that he gave his heart to Christ.
When Ed and Len met again two weeks later Len could tell by the look on Ed’s face that he had accepted Christ as his Saviour. With a glad shout Len threw his arms around him, and cried, “Happy NEW Year, Ed... a big, Happy NEW Year from me to you!”
Yes, it was truly a new year for Ed when he found his Saviour. And it can be a new year for you, too, if you come to the Lord Jesus today, and find in Him the One who can save your soul and give you a new life in Him.
Memory Verse: “O TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD: BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT TRUSTETH IN HIM.” Psalm 34:8.
ML-12/29/1974