God of New beginnings
with each new day you greet us
in the sun creeping over the horizon
bringing light, even in the dark days of winter
in the call of birds in their pre-dawn chorus
in the majesty of snow-capped mountains blushed in hues of pink and red with early morning sun
they are new every morning
new, yet constant
as you are, our God
as we come before you this day
on this first Sunday of the New Year
a new year
filled with pressures, expectations, worries, opportunities
for us, for your church, for your world
as we gather to worship this hour
inspire us through your Holy Spirit
to look for the signs of your leading
to follow the star
to where the child is
to bring all we have and lay it at his feet
then go, with delight in our hearts and rejoicing on our lips
not following the old, familiar paths which will lead
but finding different ways home to you
God of New Beginnings
as we start this year
we recommit our lives to you
as our King and shepherd
may we be content in how you would use us
even us
for the service of your kingdom
may you take from us of the burdens of shame, self-loathing, guilt and sorrow which we cling to
may you cleanse from our hearts the sins we have committed and which others have committed to us
that we are made new and ready to follow the star
to where Christ is
Amen