Learning From the Past

• It is natural to think of your past life when January 1 rolls around. You consider what you have accomplished and what events shaped the prior year. Most importantly, you use the lessons you have learned from the past to improve your life and that of your loved ones in the future. This theme makes for a New Year's sermon centered on learning from the past. Choose such biblical verses as Deuteronomy 32:7 "Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you." Not only does the quote remind you to look at the past for guidance but it instructs you to turn to those older and wiser as well.
  
  

The Journey

• The dawning of a New Year is a time to reflect on your spiritual journey through life. A sermon regarding the struggles that must be endured as you travel through this earthly life will have value for all worshipers. Employ the verse from 2 Timothy 4:7 which says "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" as the main goal the Christian strives for. Your sermon can remind folks that even the most afflicted of persons such as Job can continue to live for God and lead a holy life.
  
  

Become Like a Child

• An infant child is often used as a symbol of the New Year. You can draw from this image and remind a congregation that God calls upon everyone to become child-like in their approach to the Lord. Point to Matthew 18:3-4 where it states "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Teach a sermon designed to remind people that humility and faith like that of a child are key to entering the heavenly realm.
  
  

A Fresh New Start

• A brand new year means a fresh start for many people. For a Christian it is a reminder that you are reborn with Christ. All of your sins have been forgiven and you are unblemished before God. Teach this remarkable principle in an uplifting sermon which celebrates your newness in Christ. Your guiding verse for such a sermon is located in 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"