We recently remodeled our office. This involved new wallpaper and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves to create my dream library, as well as a space for my desk. It’s so full of potential!

Let’s face it, new stuff is fun. New houses are a blast … even new jobs hold the charm of potential. I even remember getting giddy over a new grocery store that opened in our town this past year. New things are fresh and exciting. “Newness” is full of possibilities.

When Jesus healed a leper, the man praised God in a loud voice, thrilled to be made new. David rejoiced after being forgiven of his sins—relieved and grateful to be made new. And countless Old Testament heroes praised God when they were given new lands (Abraham) or new promises (Isaac) or even a new name (Jacob). “New” is a reason to celebrate!

That being said, your “new” might not look like other people’s “new.” As we start the New Year, it’s important to recognize ways in which our news are different … but also how they are the same. For instance, God makes all of us new. Every time we confess our sins and rely on God to turn our rotting nature into something new, God celebrates. As does all of heaven.

As we lean into the New Year, let’s celebrate what it means to be made new in Christ: clean, forgiven, cherished.

“The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).