While it is always "politically correct" to say, "Happy New Year," it may not be "character correct." In the book The Lost Virtues of Happiness, the authors remind us that our definition of happiness has changed. Centuries ago, wise men said "happiness is a life well-lived, a life of virtue and character, a life that manifests wisdom, kindness, and goodness." Today, however, happiness is perceived to be "pleasurable satisfaction." There is a major difference between these two definitions. Pleasure is always temporary and appeals to the senses. Virtue and character may not be pleasurable, but they are long lasting. Pleasure is about feelings and virtue is about value-driven conduct. When you wish someone "Happy New Year" and their understanding of happiness is feeling-oriented, they hear you encourage them to do things that make them feel good. Others, with the classical understanding of happiness, may hear you encourage them to holy living.

Now, I am not on the crusade to eliminate "Happy New Year" and replace it with "Holy New Year." I am fine with whatever Wal-Mart greeters say to me about the New Year. But I do hope you will recognize a call to produce the fruit of the Spirit when you hear or say "Happy New Year." Galatians 5:22-23 is a good description of happiness: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." How do we do that? It starts with Jesus.

Since the first Sunday of Advent, our Sunday morning worship experiences have centered around the theme: "Jesus: The Starting Point." We will continue this emphasis through Easter. On Sunday, January 6, we will escalate and accelerate the intensity of this series. After the worship service you attend, each youth and adult will receive a devotional guide entitled, "Jesus: The Starting Point." The booklet is a 75-day Bible reading plan. I am asking every member of the Dawson Family of Faith to start this new year by reading about Jesus for 75 days. If you will follow the reading plan in The Starting Point booklet, you will have read three of the gospels, one Old Testament prophecy, and a description of the Jesus ascending into the heavens by Easter. Plan on attending, participating and fully engaging in worship and Bible Study this starting Sunday of 2008. Jesus is the Starting Point to the right kind of Happy New Year.

Your Pastor,

Gary Fenton

PS: Thank you for the many kindnesses extended to Alta Faye and me during this Christmas season.