Stepping into the New Year - Swallows Gliding in Spring

# Entering the New Year - Swallows Gliding in Spring

Swallows are jumping birds with forked tails, long wings, and swift flight, typically appearing in springtime. These birds are well-adapted to a life of hunting for food in the air. In Vietnam, there are three species of swallows: the white-bellied swallow, the red-rumped swallow, and the grey-rumped swallow. In Vietnamese poetry, many poems mention swallows and springtime, such as in Nguyễn Du's *Tale of Kiều*, with the lines "In spring the swallows weave their dance," or "The swallows dart and flit above the empty rooms, wild orchids spread across the ground, moss marks where footsteps tread"; and Huy Cận wrote, "The swallows go, announcing the new spring..." However, there is a French proverb that says, "One swallow does not make a spring," meaning that a single bird cannot herald the arrival of spring—it must be a flock, a gathering, that can truly announce spring to everyone. Working with a spirit of cooperation is the only way to achieve beautiful results!

The new year is approaching, and we will see flocks of swallows gliding and soaring in flocks, announcing the coming of spring! As we step into the new year, 2024, in a spirit of joy welcoming a new year, surely we all have new plans and programs, new hopes, desires to do new things, especially for the Lord's work, don't we? A new aspiration we might have is to "unite like a flock of swallows soaring high to proclaim the Gospel to all people." We rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and trust in His power to fulfill the Great Commission effectively for God's house! We should not work alone, but together in unity, so that the Gospel may be proclaimed powerfully! There is a saying, "One tree cannot make a mountain, but three trees gathered together make a tall peak." Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, "Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Unity brings strength, helping us accomplish great and difficult tasks, and it helps us protect one another, especially when witnessing for the Lord and facing opposition from others. The Apostle Paul urged, "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought" (1 Corinthians 1:10). It is my hope that in this new year, all of us, both near and far, everywhere, in our local churches as well as in our sister churches, will work together in unity to serve the Lord and proclaim the Gospel! Let us together proclaim the Gospel of the Lord of Spring—the One who gives to all people life and endless springtime of love! I pray that the Lord will help us always remain focused and united in the Great Commission, proclaiming the Gospel, sharing the love of Jesus, and His redemption with all those around us! I ask the Lord to strengthen and guide us! Amen!

Happy New Year arriving, overflowing with blessings, With God's love, forever without end, United together, we go forth proclaiming, The Gospel of Salvation, to all people! The swallows of spring, returning with joy, They herald to us a glorious Message, Watched over by the Lord and protected, In Him we find fulfillment, blessings without cease!

Peace in Christ, Ngọc-Dung

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