Weekend Words (New Year)

From Amish Peace...

Looking Forward

Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.  The old life is gone; a new life has begun! - 2 Corinthians 5:17

An Amish family gathers around the kitchen table to celebrate God's goodness in bringing a new year.  Grandparents, parents, and children join together with the glow of the lantern casting rings of light upon their heads.

After dinner the Amish family joins in a traditional New Year song: " 'Tis time now to welcome the happy New Year.  God grant you to live and enjoy the new year."

Amish families sing of fortune and blessings, but even as they look forward to the coming year, their gazes also lift to unseen eternity.  The song continues, "In heaven before the great heavenly throne, God grant you reward in that heavenly home."

What are you looking forward to?  Perhaps you smile as you anticipate family togetherness, a graduation, or a new life to come.  Or perhaps, as one year rolls into the next, you're in the midst of a season of sadness or loss.  Whether you look ahead with hope or anxiety, remember Who sits on the great heavenly throne.  Because we belong to Jesus, we can say, "The old life has gone; a new life has begun!"  He is our reason to celebrate the new year, the days and seasons of our lives, and an endless eternity of rejoicing.

Heavenly Father, the newness of the year pales in comparison with the new life You give through a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Help me to look ahead to eternity with a grateful; heart, no matter what this year brings.  Amen.

 Another Year is Dawning

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be,

In working or in waiting. another year for Thee.

Another year of progress, another year of praise,

Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,

Another year of gladness the glory of Thy face.

Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast,

Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,

Another year of training for holier work above.

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be,

On earth, or else in heaven, another year for Thee.

- Frances R. Havergal

"... and when you seek God, He will help with faith, family, and community.  He is the One who brings peace.  He can keep us from the distractions of the world and guide us in focusing on simplicity of the heart.  Seek Him faithfully in the year to come, and in Him you will find help.

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for the year that has finished, and for the year to come.  I can face the future knowing You are already there." - (from Amish Peace)