Rev. 21:5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.”
2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
As always, it is important to explain to your children what we are celebrating:
- Have each family member draw pictures of things they remember about this last year. Thank God for those things – the good and the not so good.
- Emphasize the fact that no matter what happened last year, the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to begin new things like being a better listener, being quick to obey, learning something new, making a new friend, exploring a new place, etc.
- Make a list together of things you would like to accomplish in 2018. Make this your family’s prayer list for the year.
- Illustrate these and put them in a prayer box to pull out during prayer time.
- Use the scriptures above to point out that Jesus gives us hope for new things in the new year.
- Check out the following links for activities to celebrate New Year’s.
Free Coloring Pages:
http://ministry-to-children.com/new-years-coloring-page-let-your-light-shine/
http://www.childrens-ministry-deals.com/collections/free-stuff/products/new-years-coloring-page
Games:
Free download http://ministry-to-children.com/new-years-eve-party-activities-and-games/
Free download http://www.childrens-ministry-deals.com/collections/free-stuff/products/10-new-years-minute-to-win-it-games
Here’s a poem that has been my heart cry for over 30 years. It is a good one to memorize and pray intentionally on a regular basis in the new year:
Lord Jesus, make yourself to me
a living, bright reality
More present to faith’s vision keen
Than any outward object seen
More dear, more intimately nigh
Than even my sweetest earthly tie
by Charlotte Elliott
