Newness, new life, forgiving the past, hope for the future, God's plans

--these are all biblical themes that fit well with the time-honored message and cross-cultural celebration of New Year's. They are important messages to share with our children. And they speak to the tradition and culture surrounding this annual event which have become secularized.

I am not suggesting we plan New Year's Eve church events!  Rather, we should take the time to celebrate what our faith has to say to this annual and worldwide, Why not celebrate it on the first Sunday morning after New Years? Or as part of a fellowship event? Or at least touch on it in a children's sermon.

New Year's Bible Verses 

Fresh Start
If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so we can serve you.  Palm 130: 3-4

Forget what is behind and strive forward
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:13-14

New Creation
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!  1 Cor 5:17

I have plans for you
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

Make our days ahead count
“So teach us to number our days, that we may have a heart of wisdom.”  Psalm 90:12

God wants your year to be good
“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.  Psalm 20:4

Some ideas about how to teach these verses:

1. Assign verses to pairs of students who must come up with a skit-situation that illustrates the idea of the verse. 

2. If you had to have one of these verses tatooed on your arm, which one would you choose?  Follow up by writing part of your selected verse using henna (which will wear off).

3. Make a list of what students thing is "old," "no longer useful," "isn't helpful" that they should leave in the past or toss out with the New Year's trash.  Invite them to write something on a piece of paper from their past that hasn't been good for them and then wad it up and throw it away.

4. Write a "letter to your self" about the past year and year ahead, then seal it in an envelope, put your name on the envelope and give it to your teacher. Mail it to the students in 6 months.  What to put in the letter?  Things you want to leave in the past. New attitudes and improved relationships you hope will happen in the new year. Personal goals.

I hope these suggestions stoke your creativity. Please post your own suggestions!