New Year's Prayer

O Lord, our Father! We have gathered here at the turn of the year because we do not want to be alone but want to be with each other, and together be united with you. Our hearts are filled with sombre thoughts as we reflect on our misdeeds of the past year. And our ears are deafened by the voices of the radio [and television] and in the newspapers, with their numerous predictions for the coming year. Instead we want to hear your word, your voice, your assurance, your guidance. We know that you are in our midst, and are eager to give us all that we need, whether we ask or not. On this night we ask for one thing only: that you collect our scattered thoughts, getting rid of the confused and defiant thoughts that may distract us, and thus enable us to concentrate on your limitless generosity to us. You were abundantly generous to us last year, and will be no less generous to us next year, and in very year to come. Fill us with gratitude for You. (Karl Barth, 1886-1968)

Another Year is Dawning

Another year is dawning; dear Father, let it be,
In working or in waiting, another year with 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 in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon They 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 Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)

Greater Faith

Teach us Lord, not to ask for lighter loads, but greater faith for steep and rocky roads. (Fred Bauer in Daily Guideposts, 21 Nov 2007)

God's Order

God's order rules not only my life but the entire universe. As I cooperate with divine order, I will see every situation unfolding in harmonious, orderly ways. (Colleen Zuck, Daily Word, Day 332)

Serenity

Today help me quiet my mind. Help me seek serenity one day at a time. (Body, Mind, and Spirit, 14 December)

Go Tell It On The Mountain

While shepherds kept their watching o'er silent flocks by night,
Behold, throughout the heavens there shone a holy light.

The shepherds feared and trembled when lo above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior's birth.

Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born,
And God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn.

Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and ev'rywhere.
Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.
(Traditional Spriritual)

A Christmas Wish

I wish you the joy of Christmas,

The Season's sweet repose.

I wish you the peace of Christmas

To mark the old year's close.

I wish you the hope of Christmas

To cheer you on your way.

And a heart of faith and gladness

To greet each coming day.

(Author unknown)