Homily on new year's eve

Here's a sample homily for New Year's Eve:

Title: "A New Year, a New Beginning: Embracing Hope and Renewal"

Text: Isaiah 63:16-17, 19; Psalm 98; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:29-32

Introduction:

As we gather here tonight, we stand at the threshold of a new year. A time of celebration, reflection, and anticipation. A time to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new. As we look back on the past year, we may be filled with a mix of emotions - joy, gratitude, and perhaps a sense of relief that it's finally over. But as we look ahead to the new year, we are filled with hope and anticipation. Hope for a fresh start, for new opportunities, and for a chance to make a positive impact on the world around us.

Reflection:

In the book of Isaiah, we read these powerful words: "But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter. We are all the work of your hand." (Isaiah 64:8) These words remind us that we are not the masters of our own destiny, but rather, we are the work of God's hand. And as we stand at the threshold of a new year, we are reminded that God is always at work, shaping and molding us into the people he created us to be.

As we reflect on the past year, we may be tempted to focus on our failures and shortcomings. We may be tempted to beat ourselves up over our mistakes and shortcomings. But tonight, I want to encourage you to let go of those regrets and instead, focus on the good that God has done in your life. Focus on the ways in which he has blessed you, guided you, and loved you. Because when we focus on God's goodness, we are reminded that we are not defined by our mistakes, but by our relationship with him.

The Gift of Hope:

As we look ahead to the new year, we are filled with hope. Hope for a fresh start, for new opportunities, and for a chance to make a positive impact on the world around us. But hope is not just a feeling, it's a gift from God. In the book of Galatians, we read these words: "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption as sons." (Galatians 4:4-5) This gift of hope is not just a feeling, it's a reality. It's the reality of God's love for us, and his desire to redeem us and make us his own.

The Gift of Renewal:

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, we are reminded that we are not the same people we were a year ago. We have grown, we have learned, and we have been shaped by our experiences. And as we look ahead to the new year, we are reminded that we have the opportunity to start anew. To start fresh, to start again, and to start anew. This is the gift of renewal. This is the gift of a new beginning.

Conclusion:

As we gather here tonight, we are reminded that we are not alone. We are reminded that we are part of a community of faith, a community that is bound together by our love for God and for one another. And as we look ahead to the new year, we are reminded that we have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world around us. To spread hope, to spread love, and to spread joy.

So as we welcome in the new year, let us do so with hope and anticipation. Let us do so with a sense of gratitude for the blessings we have received, and with a sense of excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead. Let us do so with a sense of faith, knowing that God is always at work, shaping and molding us into the people he created us to be.

May God bless you and keep you in the coming year. May he guide you and direct you, and may he fill you with hope and renewal. Amen.