Our New Christian Family New Year: Moving from Resolutions to Reverence:
This year we started a simple New Year tradition that as a Christian mom, I LOVE.
And this was no small feat.
The tv countdowns are nothing I’m keeping my daughter up for. I mean, Miley Cyrus? No thanks. Billy? Yes. Miley? No.
And what has happened to Dolly?! Was I the only one who caught her distilled faith? She used to be powerful! Maybe that kind of power isn’t allowed on network television.
Don’t even get me started on Shania.
I digress.
In a culture saturated with a focus on looks and pride, it’s hard to find something with the richness and depth a life with the Creator has to offer. I wanted something that will march us into the new year linked arm-in-arm with the Maker of all things–and boldly toward every thing he has for us.
What I was looking for was a God-centered New Year.
And I found it.
Here’s What We Did:
First: The countdown preparations.
- Cut some paper into tiny slips.
- Write some scripture references to look up—perfect scriptures for entering the new year. (After some careful searching, I used Isaiah 43:19, Lamentations 3:22-23, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 1:3, Psalm 98, and Revelation 21:5).
- Fold each paper and tuck one into each balloon.
- Start the blowing. Everyone!
- Draw big round clocks on each balloon (upside-down since they’d hang that way).
- Decide what time your party or countdown will run. Give each balloon a different time within that window. When the time hits, pop that balloon and look up the scripture found inside.
Next: Let your Christian family new year begin!
- Put on some favorite music and pop the first balloon! (Not gonna lie. With each pop and scripture reading, I get a little carried away and sound like a southern Baptist preacher–or better yet, a sports broadcaster. I’ve even gone beyond reading the single verse and onto half the chapter. They were THAT good.)
- We make all our favorite appetizers, and let the grazing begin.
- Share stories of favorite memories this year–and in many categories: song, movie, book, out-of-town excursion
- Share what each person is thankful for in each other this year. And where God is growing each family member.
- After the last balloon, pray in the new year. Offer a blessing over the family unit. And dedicate the year to Him.
NOW you’re ready to march into the new year. Boldly.
Powerful for stepping into the new year–a Christian family new year.
Encouraging.
Each verse helped boost my outlook. I really needed that this year.
And you can feel it, too.
Each of the things we did are completely doable–even off-the-cuff. But if you like your New Year discussion questions pretty, I made a cute download for you.
Enjoy!
And remember, fellow Pioneer: Whatever territory you’re navigating, keep cultivating their seeds of faith. Simply. For true legacy.
Oh! And you may also like this post containing our Faith Forming Family Habit Tracker. It has been so valuable for our family. And it’s based on Barna Group’s research finding 9 key indicators of children following in their parents’ faithful footsteps.