A PRAYER FOR NEW YEAR'S DAY

"It is on account of Your mercy aloae, O Lord, that I am not consumed, because Your compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Abide with me, O God, throughout the coming year. Be my guide in all my perplexities, my strength in my weakness, my ever-ready help in all my troubles. Forgive me all my sins. O Sabaoth Lord, look down from heaven & in grace behold & visit Your holy Church, which You have chosen for Your own. Preserve for us Your saving Word & Sacraments, that Your vine may send out its boughs from sea to sea & its branches to the uttermost parts of the earth. Look graciously upon our nation & all the nations of the world, & bless them with peace. Grant to all that are in authority wisdom & courage to rule in such a way that we may lead a quiet & peaceful life in all godliness & honesty. To You, almighty Creator & gracious God, I commit this nation, my church, my family & loved ones, & myself. Abide with me. With Your grace & mercy preserve me whole--soul & body--blameless to the coming of my Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.  Lutheran Book of Prayer

A NEW YEAR'S HYMN *

* "O Rejoice, Ye Christians, Loudly," Sts. 1 & 4, LSB #897

"O rejoice, ye Christians, loudly, For our joy has now begun; Wondrous things our God has done. Tell abroad His goodness proudly, Who our race has honored thus, That He deigns to dwell with us. Joy, O joy, beyond all gladness, Christ has done away with sadness! Hence, all sorrow & repining, For the Sun of Grace is shining!

"Jesus, guard & guide Thy members, Fill them with Thy boundless grace, Hear their prayers in ev'ry place. Fan to flame faith's glowing embers; Grant al Christians, far & near, Holy peace, a glad new year! Joy, O joy, beyond all gladness, Christ has done away with sadness! Hence, all sorrow & repining, For the Sun of Grace is shining!

A CHRISTMAS HYMN *

* "Gentle Mary Laid Her Child," Sts. 1 & 3, LW #57

"Gentle Mary laid her child Lowly in a manger; There He lay, the Undefiled, To the world a stranger. Such a Babe in such a place, Can He be the Savior? Ask the saved of all the race Who have found His favor.

"Gentle Mary laid her child Lowly in a manger; He is still the Undefiled But no more a stranger. Son of God of humble birth, Beautiful the story; Praise His name in all the earth; Hail the King of glory!"