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            There is nothing in scripture that corresponds to how celebrate the end of an old year and beginning of a new one. There is no “turning life’s daily pages” with a renewed vision every January 1st. The closest that I have come over the years is to reflect on Philippians 3:13-14. The passage is almost irresistible for New Year’s sentiments even though Paul had no such thoughts in mind when he penned it.

Well wishes are often heard this time of year. We wax sentimental. We sing out the old year and sing in the new. We watch fireworks or the big ball drop in New York City. We may dine on black-eyed peas and hog’s jowl for New Year’s day, but may alcohol never be named among the saints of God! We assess where we’ve been and look ahead to a bright future. We assume that another year lies ahead. We give little thought to the gravity of life’s daily changes. We make New Year’s resolutions. Most are lighthearted and forgotten after a few weeks. Even if we fail we feel better for having tried.

            The thought of a new year is exciting even though many of us have done it seventy or eighty times. We are grateful for each and every trip around the sun! We view a new year as a milepost, a steppingstone or turning over a new leaf with major decisions awaiting us. We take inventory, compare positions and assess which way we are going in life and in the kingdom of God.

            We typically look back with eyes of sadness at those who have left us this past year. Our holidays will never be the same without them. We think of those saints who have preceded us through death’s door. We covet their company just one more hour, but have to wonder if we would really want to call them back from God’s care as they await that beautiful home of the soul.

            In his book, Life Lessons, Don Reid tells of a New Year’s Eve family tradition. The Reid’s sit around the dinner table and pass out the following thoughts/questions:

  1. Give three words that best describe this past year for you.
  2. Name one really good thing that happened to you this year.
  3. What do you most look forward to in the year ahead?
  4. What is the one thing you want to do next year that you didn’t get to do this year?
  5. Is there any particular lesson this past year taught you?
  6. How would you like to spend more of your free time next year?
  7. What is your dream vacation for some year in the future?
  8. Name something nice someone did for you this past year.
  9. Did you make a new friend this past year and who was it?
  10. Did you make a resolution last New Year’s Day you kept all year long?

 

How much better it would be if our New Year’s traditions involved more of a spiritual element!

 

  1. Spend more time in God’s Word (Col. 3:16; 1 Tim 4:13; 2 Pet. 3:18). Some study the Bible like old timers used to took castor oil – hold your breath and do your duty! Wisdom is available to the serious student of God’s word (Prov. 2:2).
  2. Remember the power of prayer (1 Tim. 2:1-2). With cultural challenges all around us let’s guard against misplaced confidence. Laws and elections do not eclipse the power of prayer (Acts 2:42; Jas. 5:16).
  3. Let’s preach the gospel, but also live the gospel. May we be changed by the gospel, led by the gospel and more motivated by the gospel. We must let teaching carry over into practice.
  4. Be aware of the dangers of a secular culture (Rom. 12:2). Don’t allow toleration and acceptance to replace conviction and devotion. The ones charged with changing the world are sometimes changed by it.
  5. Set the right example – be salt, light and leaven this coming year (Matt. 5:13-15; 13:33). Mustard seed influence is more powerful than spectacular viral videos. Be a good example in a world starved for authenticity in the people of God.