Is it a sign we are getting old that the thought of going out this New Year’s Eve seems very uninviting? Perhaps it’s more omicron caution than being party poopers that keeps us in tonight rather than joining the masses in Ripon market square being entertained by an Oasis tribute band and other delights!
There is a lot of pressure put on people tonight to go and party out the year and welcome the new one excitedly. I’m not sure large crowds even outside are sensible. We are already cancelling some church events next week, but I do get why this night is important for people.
I miss Storrington in West Sussex on New Year’s Eve. We always shared a midnight service at the Parish Church. The Rector, dear Malcolm Acheson, called it New Year Bells. So we’d have a little service at 11.30, then go outside at 11.55 and hear the New Year chimed in at 12. Then he’d get us all back in the church for what he called “seasonal refreshments” which was trying to get us sloshed on his leftover sherry from Christmas! I learnt after year one to walk to this service!!!
I guess this New Year’s Eve we pause and reflect on what Charles Wesley called in one of his hymns “another various year.” It hasn’t been as any of us might have hoped. We seriously thought Covid would be gone by now. We’ve done our best to keep going and we’ve celebrated high points and moments of joy but it’s been not various really but draining. We’ve still not really been able to get into life here in North Yorkshire but it’s a good place to be and one day this will pass…
In a few hours time we shall greet 2022, whether outside or with friends or on our own at home. We thank God for another year, good and bad and we hope for ourselves and our world a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year.
21 years ago, I gathered at the church I served in Mossley to herald in the new Millennium. 21 years ago! We had lots and lots of little candles we were asked to light on this night back then at 11.58. With the candles we said a prayer, which is at the end of these musings, which I think is as relevant and urgent to pray this turn of the year as it was then.
Lis and I along with the cats here wish you a safe night and we hope next year for you will be good whatever it brings.
Peace for its people,
Love in our lives,
Delight in the good,
Forgiveness for past wrongs
And from now on, a new start.
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