Good day dear friends. We've come to the last day of 2004. At twelve midnight tonight we welcome the New Year 2005!
The newspapers, newsmagazines, the television shows have all given us a "wrap up" of the news and photos of this past year. What would we see if God allowed us a wrap up of this past year? What would God highlight as "newsworthy" in our lives? Would we be proud of most images or would some of them make us blush or worse?
There is no better way to close out the year than in prayer. For the study guide I had suggested that we use the beautiful and powerful words of the hym "O Little Town of Bethlehem” as a model for prayer. We still can but we can also write our own end of the year prayer/start of a New Year prayer.
Whatever you write, here is my prayer for us:
God of the ages, we've come to the close of how humanity marks calendar years. Joyous and tearful celebrations and remembrances will be ours as we stop to reflect on what this year has brought. Some of us bid farewell to loved ones as they've gone off to war; others as they've entered into the Church Triumphant. Some of us have bid welcome to new family members through births or through marriage. Some have bid farewell to spouses because of divorce or separation. Whatever the emotion let our spirits be comforted in the joy of knowing You are with us.
As we think about what tomorrow and the rest of this New Year holds, let us remember that it is You, dear Father, that holds tomorrow and more importantly, that holds us. Hold us tight, don't let us go. Let the words spoken through prophets and writers speak to us directly from You as we remember Jeremiah's sharing, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) Let us hold fast to that assurance that we have both hope and a future in you.
As we've thought about images from this past year, we've sinned against You and against others. Forgive us we pray. Wash us in the blood of the Lamb that atoned for us. And let that assurance of hope and a future be one that is blameless.
Bless us and use us. May this New Year be a year of growth in spirit and in service to You.
We love You and praise You in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a great end of the year and in case I don't stay up until midnight, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Blessings!
e.v.
