And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year. “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” And he replied: “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”
I vividly remember my parents in the year 1939 talking about the King’s Christmas speech. At the time when he quoted these lines, I was eight years old, and my imagination was captured by “the man standing at the gate…”
Now, I feel deeply aware of the significance of the words as far as King George V1 was concerned. For the war had started in September of that year. So many would go out into the darkness in1940. Some 43,000 civilians were killed in the eight months of the Blitz in 1940. Of course, the loss of young life in the armed forces was also unspeakably dreadful.
For all of us, the gate of the year is an entrance to the unknown. But believers can take heart, for there is also a door in heaven and as we enter, we may approach the throne.
We were meditating on Revelation 4:1:
After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with Someone sitting on it. And the One who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne”; And we felt the Lord was saying:-
Never give up looking, for there is much that I want you to see, much that I want you to hear – so much that I would have you understand. Yes, there is a door opened for you in heaven, and I would have you come up and hear that which I would have you see and hear. Be filled with My fullness, be delighted with My love for it is like no other. Know that I am enthroned in glory even today. Ultimate power in the universe does not belong to an unfeeling God. I have suffered even unto the death of the Cross.
I am the High Priest who understands the need of humanity, and the one who knows your need also. Remember that the door in heaven is always open, and that you may boldly approach My throne. My grace is sufficient for you, and all who come I will receive. See how your prayers ascend like incense before Me. From My throne I issue decrees and angels speed to do My bidding. I have said ‘knock and it shall be opened.’ I have said ‘call and I will answer’. How precious and sacred is the place of prayer. For you come to the throne room of heaven, and you come as a welcome friend.
With best wishes and prayer for the New Year, Norman & Margaret.
