Another Year Is Dawning

There is a song I always enjoy sharing at the beginning of a new year. The words to this song point to what is most important in life. This song also echoes the prayer of my heart. 

What is the meaning of life? 

We were created by God and for God. Living for God is the only thing that truly matters; it's the only thing that brings true fulfillment and purpose in life.  

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 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 is dawning, dear Father, let it be

On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

~ Frances R. Havergal 

For those who are familiar with many hymns like I am, this song is sung to the tune of The Church's One Foundation. If I had a family of my own, I'd enjoy singing this song around our supper table on New Years Eve as a way to begin the new year!

This song reminds me of a wonderful quote from a longer poem that echoes this same sentiment:  

“Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

The final stanza of this poem finishes with: 

“And when I am dying, how happy I'll be if the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.” 

~ C.T. Studd 

My family doesn't do much on New Years Eve. We enjoy special treats and sometimes pull out games to play as a family, but that's about it. Last night, my sister Cheri made us homemade, cherry crisp for dessert after we ate sandwiches for supper. We enjoyed the dessert along with sparkling cherry and cranberry juices. Sure enough, a board game came out later, and I watched my sister Cheri win the game as she slid her final game piece into home base.   

It's also rare that my family stays up until midnight to watch our clocks change to the date of the new year. I've done it on occasion, and I usually regret it the next day when I'm so tired from going to bed so late. I like to pray as I drift off to sleep, so I usually greet the new year in the morning. 

Last night though, I felt inspired to stay up until midnight. This year, I wanted to pray while entering the new year. (in reality, the Biblical new year is not until spring time, but since the date changes on our calendar, there is some significance to ours.) 

With a lovely candle glowing in the darkness, I prayed for myself, my family, and our nation. I also prayed very specifically about certain things, and committed those things into God's Hands. 

While still wrapped in my linen prayer shawl, I decided to spend some time worshipping the Lord. I played a small harp of mine and sang a few songs with it, one of them being the original melody of the “Aaronic Blessing” from Numbers 6 in the Bible. 

“The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” 

Numbers 6:24-26 

I felt the Presence of God in a very special way last night as I entered the new year. 

I ended by singing and playing the hymn, “The Light of the World is Jesus” after writing a blog post about that on my other blog last night. (click here to read) 

I don't know what this new year holds, but I know the One Who holds the whole world in His loving Hands. I look forward to this new year of 2021 with much anticipation!