Last night my grandchildren, grandnieces, and grandnephews filled my daughter’s house.
A New Year’s Eve party. A sleepover.
Ten or twelve children under thirteen.
Excitement. Expectation. Enough energy to shake the walls.
God blessed my daughter with patience, peace, and love.
And today, as we step into a new year, we pray that same blessing—peace, love, protection—be poured upon the world.
For what God placed in that house—life, joy, hope—is what He desires for all His children.
On this New Year’s Day, the Church places before us Mary, Mother of God,
and the ancient blessing spoken through Moses:
“The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord let His face shine upon you.
The Lord give you peace.”
This blessing is not bound to one people.
It is for all nations.
For every heart longing for dignity, justice, peace, and goodwill.
It is God’s face shining upon the whole world.
Through Christ, we are no longer slaves.
We are sons and daughters.
Heirs of His promise.
And Mary shows us how to receive this gift—
quietly, faithfully, keeping it in her heart.
As the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God,
so we begin this year with praise on our lips,
hope in our hearts,
trusting His blessing rests upon us,
guiding the nations,
and making His salvation known to the ends of the earth.
Prayer of Blessing for the New Year
Lord God,
Through Christ, make us sons and daughters of Your promise.
Teach us to keep Your gift quietly, faithfully, in our hearts.
Fill our homes with life, joy, and hope.
Blessed us with patience, peace, and love.
Bless all peoples, O Lord.
Bless every nation longing for dignity, justice, peace, and goodwill.
Shine Your face upon the whole world.
May we begin this year with praise on our lips,
hope in our hearts,
and trust in Your blessing
On this New Year’s Day, through Mary, Mother of God,
we receive the ancient promise spoken through Moses:
“The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord let His face shine upon you.
The Lord give you peace.”
Amen.
