Ringing in the New Year
The Gregorian calendar was adopted in 1582 by the Catholic Church and at that time January 1st was restored as New Year’s Day. It marks the beginning of a new year and is recognized as a federal holiday in the United States, with many businesses being closed and many workers enjoying a day off.
Celebrations around the world note the passing of time - some with regret and some with anticipation. The baby as a symbol of the new year dates to the ancient Greeks, with an old man representing the year that has passed. The Romans derived the name for the month of January from their god Janus, who had two faces, one looking backward and the other forward. The practice of making resolutions to rid oneself of bad habits and to adopt better ones also dates to ancient times.
Today, most New Year’s festivities begin in the evening of December 31st and continue into the early hours of January 1st. Many attend home parties or attend festivities at local restaurants or pubs, eating plenty of food, toasting with drinks of champagne or sparkling cider, and watching fireworks. The air is filled with the sounds of noisemakers and littered with confetti.
In the United States, the most iconic New Year’s tradition is the dropping of a giant ball in New York City’s Times Square at the stroke of midnight. Millions of people around the world watch the event, which has taken place almost every year since 1907. Over time, the ball itself has ballooned from a 700-pound iron-and-wood orb to a brightly patterned sphere 12 feet in diameter and weighing in at nearly 12,000 pounds.
“Amazing Grace,” by John Newton, is the most famous New Year’s Day hymn in Church history. Newton wrote and unveiled “Amazing Grace” to his Olney congregation on January 1, 1773.
The entire hymn is inspired by 1 Chronicles 17, a chapter that speaks of King David’s past, present, and future.
Newton does the same, reflecting on past grace, present grace, and the hope of future grace. It is a perfect way to begin the new year.
Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
May God bless your new year abundantly with the love and laughter of friends and family, moderate rains and plentiful sunlight, full cupboards and barns, good health and restorative rest, the means to meet your needs and the ability to acknowledge those blessings and to be ever thankful for them.