Verse of the Day for December 31

Peter had seen Jesus. He had eaten with him, argued with him, denied him and been restored by him on a beach. And he writes to people who never had any of that. Whom having not seen, ye love.

There is no envy in it. Peter sounds almost amazed. These believers, scattered across Asia Minor, have never met Jesus face to face, and still they rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

Unspeakable means joy too big for words. It does not come from sight, and it does not wait for the trial to be over. Verse seven calls the trial much more precious than of gold that perisheth, tested by fire and waiting for the appearing of Jesus Christ.

That is where the year ends. Christmas has just celebrated his first coming. Faith now leans toward the second, and the joy belongs to the waiting, not only to the arriving.

Tonight the year turns. Whatever it held, sit for a moment by the window or on the steps outside. You have not seen him. You love him anyway. Carry that into January, and let the next year be lived toward his appearing.

Joy unspeakable belongs to people who are still waiting.

Walk into the new year toward his appearing.