It's New Year's Eve, Lord,
in a year that seemed much longer
than any year should be...
But last year's candle is burning low
and soon, at midnight,
'twill be time to light a new one
and to pray you'll light a flame of hope
deep within our hearts
where your Spirit's light
burns ever bright,
where darkness is unknown...
I'll be glad to see the old year go
yet grateful, Lord, for all the ways
you helped me move from day to day,
through thick and thin,
through sorrow's tears and laughter's joy
to this night, this new year's eve
and its promise for tomorrow...
And I remember, Lord, all the times
when I forgot, ignored or missed
how you were right there by my side
and, foolishly - I tried to make it on my own:
Lord, have mercy,
Lord, forgive me,
Lord, have mercy...
But you never failed me, Lord:
you never failed to love me,
to pardon and forgive me
with grace so sweet and pure
and always freely given...
Tonight I come with empty hands,
I haven't much to offer,
and anything I do have was first your gift to me...
Nurture in my soul, Lord,
a desire for your wisdom,
a hunger for your truth
and a thirst for all that's holy...
Let me settle for nothing less
than all you freely offer:
the healing of my soul,
the mending of my heart
and your light upon my path...
So I praise you Lord, my God
from whom all blessings flow
and pray your grace will fill me
in the year that lies ahead:
make me worthy of your saving love,
and faithful to your word...
Wake my heart to this new year, Lord,
to 2024 and to all your grace and gifts:
the promise of your presence,
your mercy and your pardon,
your compassion and your love,
your healing and your peace...
Amen.
Tonight's song isn't a hymn, not a religious composition,
but definitely appropriate for New Year's Eve...
New Year's Day by Carole King
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Everybody makes a dream this time of yearFrom now on it's gonna be good for youAll your friends and familyGather 'round in peace and harmony
It's a time to remember your blessingsIt's a time to remember your goalsAll the people in your lifeBe they new friends or old
And it could be the time of your lifeEverything's gonna turn out alrightIt'll be okay, in every way, makin' it betterIt's New Year's Day
And should old friends be forgotKeep everything they gave youAnd though they may seem so far awayYou walk with them each and every day
And I know sometimes the road isn't easyAnd we've said some things wish we'd never saidOnce a few rounds you loved and lostYou pick yourself up and take a chance again
And it could be the time of your lifeEverything's gonna turn out alrightIt'll be okay, in every way, makin' it betterIt's New Year's Day
Countdown's dawnAnd we'll sway along with the bandJust one more danceMay all your dreams come true
And it could be the time of your lifeEverything's gonna turn out alrightIt'll be okay, in every way, makin' it betterIt's New Year's DayNew Year's Day
That song touched my heart! Thank you for pointing us to it.
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