The New Year

New Year’s Day is a legal holiday. It is as simple as that. For us as Catholic Christians the real celebration of a new year is the first Sunday of Advent.

From the time I was very little I remember always hearing about New Year resolutions. I had no idea what they were talking about but it did seem serious.  From a child’s view I thought that it had something to do with change. As I grew older I was able to understand that adult’s have some bad habits and feel that New Year is a good time to think about change.  No one ever asked the children about their “resolutions.”

When it came to Advent and Lent, children were always invited into the conversation. I think this is interesting. We know that we are doing things to make ourselves more acceptable to God and we believe that God will help us to be successful during Advent and Lent.

If it takes a legal holiday for people to make resolutions that will help them then so be it. Perhaps it would be an enriching experience if we took the time to think about our resolutions made the previous year and see if we were successful. If we did not follow through then this would be a great time to accept the fact that there really is a need to change a behavior and this time add on with God’s help.

New Year is the beginning of a new calendar year but in reality it is actually a continuation of a journey begun at conception. As we prepare to celebrate the New Year stop, take a moment and read this little prayer

Lord, thank you so much for all that you have done for me, my friends, and my family. Your hand on our lives is so much more than we could ask for, and your blessings are so greatly appreciated.  I know, Lord, that you have seen our challenges, wept at our weaknesses, and rejoiced in our successes.

I also ask, Lord, for your continued blessings on those around me. I ask that this year be one of peace and joy for my family and friends. I ask that you continue to be a presence in all of our lives. I ask that you give each of us a heart for you and a desire to serve to make the world a better place. I also ask for peace and blessings on those far from home, for those who suffer, and for those who need you a little more each day.

Happy Birthday to all traditions that consider New Year’s Day to be their birthday.

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