New year sermon

Here's a sample New Year's sermon that you can use as a guide:

Title: "A Fresh Start: Embracing the Possibilities of a New Year"

Text: Psalm 90:12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Introduction:

As we gather here today, we stand at the threshold of a new year. A time of fresh beginnings, new opportunities, and a chance to leave the past behind. It's a time to reflect on the journey we've been on, and to look forward to the road ahead. But as we do, we're reminded that the journey of life is not just about the destination, but about the journey itself. And it's in this journey that we find the true meaning of a fresh start.

The Psalmist's Prayer:

In Psalm 90, we find the psalmist praying to God, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (v. 12) The psalmist is asking God to help him understand the value of time, to help him make the most of the days he has been given. And as we look back on the past year, we're reminded that time is a precious gift. We've all been given a certain number of days, and it's up to us to make the most of them.

The Power of Forgiveness:

But as we look back on the past year, we may also be reminded of the mistakes we've made, the opportunities we've missed, and the relationships we've strained. And it's in these moments that we're reminded of the power of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not just about letting go of the past, but about embracing the present and the future. It's about recognizing that we are not defined by our mistakes, but by our willingness to learn from them and to move forward.

A New Creation:

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we're reminded that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (v. 17) This is not just a promise of salvation, but a promise of transformation. It's a promise that we can leave the old behind and start anew. And as we enter this new year, we're reminded that we have the power to create a new reality for ourselves. We can choose to leave the past behind and to start fresh.

The Possibilities of a New Year:

As we look to the future, we're reminded that the possibilities are endless. We can choose to pursue new dreams, to take new risks, and to make new connections. We can choose to be kind, to be compassionate, and to be generous. We can choose to be the change we want to see in the world.

Conclusion:

As we enter this new year, let us remember that it's not just about making resolutions or setting goals. It's about embracing the journey, and embracing the possibilities that lie ahead. Let us remember that we are not defined by our past, but by our willingness to learn from it and to move forward. Let us remember that we are new creations, and that we have the power to create a new reality for ourselves. And let us remember that the possibilities are endless, and that we can choose to be the change we want to see in the world.

Prayer:

Dear God, as we enter this new year, we come to you with open hearts and minds. We ask that you help us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. We ask that you help us to leave the past behind, and to start anew. We ask that you help us to create a new reality for ourselves, and to make the most of the days we have been given. And we ask that you help us to be the change we want to see in the world. Amen.