As one year draws to a close and another is about to begin, we often think about doing things new, starting better habits, putting the past behind and starting fresh. And yet, despite our earnest desire to improve, more often than not, New Year’s resolutions fail within the first month and we continue on in the same chapter of our lives.
As Matthew begins his gospel he is very careful to link it with the history of Israel up until this point (starting with a genealogy!). In fact this isn’t a new story he is writing, but the conclusion and fulfilment of part one and the beginning of part two. The Good News that Matthew is about to tell reminds us that because of Jesus we no longer have to walk in the shadow of death, but that a new light has dawned and in Jesus we can turn the page.