Sermon on starting a new year

Here's a sermon on starting a new year:

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

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

Introduction:

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, we are filled with a mix of emotions. Excitement for the possibilities that lie ahead, anxiety about the unknown, and perhaps a sense of relief that the old year is behind us. But as we look to the future, we are reminded that this is not just a new year, but a new chapter in our lives. A chance to start anew, to leave behind the mistakes of the past, and to forge a new path forward.

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 acknowledging that our days are numbered, and that we should make the most of the time we have. But he's not just talking about living life to the fullest, he's talking about living life with purpose and intention.

As we enter this new year, we are reminded that we have a limited amount of time to make a difference in the world. We have a limited amount of time to pursue our dreams, to build meaningful relationships, and to make a positive impact on those around us. So, let us pray with the psalmist, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

The Power of Forgiveness:

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we read, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This verse reminds us that when we come to Christ, we are not just forgiven, we are made new. We are given a fresh start, a clean slate, and a chance to start anew.

But forgiveness is not just about what God does for us, it's also about what we do for ourselves. When we forgive ourselves and others, we are able to let go of the past and move forward with freedom and joy. So, as we enter this new year, let us ask God to help us forgive ourselves and others, and to give us the courage to start anew.

The Possibilities of a New Year:

As we look to the future, we are reminded that the possibilities are endless. We can pursue our dreams, we can build meaningful relationships, and we can make a positive impact on those around us. We can start a new business, we can start a new ministry, or we can simply start a new chapter in our lives.

But the possibilities of a new year are not just about what we can do, they're also about who we can become. We can become more like Christ, we can become more compassionate, more kind, and more loving. We can become the people God created us to be.

Conclusion:

As we enter this new year, let us remember that it's not just a new year, it's a new chapter in our lives. A chance to start anew, to leave behind the mistakes of the past, and to forge a new path forward. Let us pray with the psalmist, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Let us ask God to help us forgive ourselves and others, and to give us the courage to start anew. And let us remember that the possibilities of a new year are endless, and that we can become the people God created us to be.

Prayer:

Dear God, as we enter this new year, we come to you with a sense of hope and anticipation. We ask that you teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Help us to forgive ourselves and others, and to give us the courage to start anew. Give us the wisdom to know what to do with the time you have given us, and the courage to pursue our dreams. And most of all, help us to become the people you created us to be. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.