Another Year is Dawning . . .

Early New Year’s Day morning I spent some time with God, and the first song in the book “Amazing Grace” was written for the new year by Frances Ridley Havergal. “Another Year is Dawning” was a greeting Frances sent to her friends for the new year. It is a grand New Year’s prayer of consecration:

“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 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 of dawning, Dear Father, let it be, on earth, or else in heaven, another year for Thee.”

Jerry and I were preparing our favorite New Year’s morning breakfast of sausage and gravy over biscuits. As Jerry was stirring the mixture, he said: “There is Christmas music; there should be New Year’s music.” I quietly stopped what I was doing, waltzed into the living room, picked up my book, and began singing . . . "Another year is dawning . . ." Oh, may my new years be dedicated to living for and serving God.

There's HOPE in the new year--God's hope . . . Jesus.