"And at the end of eight days, when He was circumcised, He was called Jesus" (Luke 2:21).
A Christian celebration of New Year's would endeavor to include three things:
1. The ongoing celebration of Christmas (December 25-January 5)
2. The circumcision and naming of Jesus (Luke 2:21)
3. Prayer at the start of a new year
The following hymn, "Now Greet the Swiftly Changing Year," manages to incorporate all three things.
Now greet the swiftly changing year with joy and penitence sincere.
Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace another year of grace.
Remember now the Son of God and how He shed His infant blood.
Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace another year of grace.
This Jesus came to end sin's war; this Name of names for us He bore.
Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace another year of grace.
His love abundant far exceeds the volume of a whole year's needs.
Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace another year of grace.
With Him as Lord to lead our way in want and in prosperity,
What need we fear in earth or space in this new year of grace!
"All glory be to God on high, and peace on earth!" the angels cry.
Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace another year of grace.
God, Father, Son, and Spirit, hear! To all our pleas incline Your ear;
Upon our lives rich blessing trace in this new year of grace.
(Lutheran Service Book, 896)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, begun in the name of Jesus who shed His blood for us!
