Brownsboro First UMC
by Ernest Elliott

Did you know it wasn’t always a New Year on January 1?

The New Year has in the past begun at many different times. The ancient Egyptians began the year on September 21; the ancient Greeks, on December 21; and on March 25 was the usual New Year’s Day among Christians during the medieval days. The Gregorian calendar, which was introduced in 1582, put January 1 in the position of New Year’s Day, and it was immediately accepted by Germany and Denmark, by Sweden about 1700, and by England in 1752.

No matter when the New Year began, it was a time to forget the past year and look forward to the coming year and plan for the future. In II Corinthians 5:17 Paul tells us, “Therefore if any be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; be- hold, all things are become new.” So, put your hand in the hand of God as you start the year of our Lord 2007. Then the New Year will be a fresh adventure every morning and a quiet benediction every night.

Here is a prayer for your New Year:

Lord, make the New Year a happy one ...

Not by shielding us from sorrow and pain, but by strengthening us to bear it if it comes.

Not by taking hardship from us, but by taking all cowardice and fear from our hearts as we meet hardships.

Not by making our path easy, but by making us sturdy enough to tread any path.

Not by granting unbroken sunshine, but by keeping our face bright even in the shadows.

Not by making our lives always pleasant, but by showing us where others, and your cause, need us most and by making us zealous to be there and to help.

God, make our year a happy one together!

God bless you and yours!

Happy New Year to all of you and may 2007 be full of God’s blessing in your life.