Another Year is Dawning

Last Christmas my grandparents got me an awesome devotional book that I have been reading at random called 'One Year Book of Hymns'.  I meant to read through it last year, but since that didn't happen I wanted to give it a try in 2012!  I love hymns and with our new church we don't get to sing them at church as much as we are used to so we had been singing some through the week here and there to get our fix.  This devotional gives me the chance to read hymns (new ones and old favorites too) and also get a little of the story behind each of the hymns as well.

The hymn to kick off the new year was 'Another Year is Dawning' and it sums up what I hope this next year looks like for me - especially with so many new things to learn and trust the Lord for!

Another year is dawning:
Dear Father, let it be,
In working or in waiting,
Another year with Thee;
Another year of progress,
Another year of praise,
Another year of proving
Thy presence all the days.


Another year of mercies,
Of faithfulness and grace;
Another year of gladness
In the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning
Upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting,
Of quiet, happy rest.


Another year of service,
Of witness for Thy love;
Another year of training
For holier work above.
Another year of dawning:
Dear Father, let it be,
On earth or else in heaven,
Another year for Thee.

~Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)

I hope the sentiments in this hymn can prove true for me during this new year.  I am also grateful for the sense of freshness the Lord has given me for this new year.  The reminder that not only is each new year a fresh start with fresh grace and mercies - but everyday is fresh as well.  We can wake to new mercy and grace every day of our lives because of Christ's sacrifice and love.  I hope the anticipation of fresh grace can color the days of this year!