“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2

New Year is one of the most exciting holidays for many people and some of them are busy buying expensive stuff such as firecrackers, food, wine or champagne to celebrate the beginning of the year and to have an extravagant house party. However, as a Christian, this Bible passage tells us to not conform to the pattern of this world and instead of throwing an extravagant party this coming New Year’s Eve — why don’t we celebrate this day with Christ as the center of it.

Here are 4 Christian ways to celebrate the New Year.

Reflect on God’s blessings.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1

“Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” – Psalm 106:1

New Year is a great opportunity to look back and to thank God for all the blessings that he bestowed upon us. So, reminisce about your blessings for the past year and you will see how God works in your lives. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:57. Thank Him for fighting your battles, for protecting you from evil and for giving you good health. Share your testimony and encourage one another. “Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!” – Psalm 31:19

Have a simple party at home.

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” – Psalm 34:8

Cook for your loved ones and share a meal together. Enjoy each other’s company and fill your stomach with good food and laughter. “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.” – Genesis 9:3. Make your home warm and inviting to your guest and God’s Presence by filling it with faith-filled decors such as 2020 Calendar with verses, Scripture arts, mugs and table wares. “Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” – Proverbs 24:3-4

Make a joyful noise.

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” – Psalm 100:1-2

“I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high.” – Psalm 7:17

Instead of watching fireworks, sing your heart out to God. Play some Christian music in your home and encourage your guests to sing with you. Praise God with all your might and acknowledge Him in your midst. “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17. Thus, cultivate worship in your home and teach your kids to worship the Lord in Spirit and in truth. “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” – Psalm 95:1-2

Lift the New Year to God and pray.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” – 1 John 5:14

Most of us are celebrating the beginning of the year with our loved ones, family and friends in our home. So, this day is the best time to gather your family, hold hands together and pray. Entrust your burdens and cares to God in prayer and have faith that God will give you anything that you ask. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6. Pray for a prosperous year, for His guidance and look forward to God’s blessings in your lives. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” – James 1:17

Thus, start your year with a peaceful heart and let go of the things that will hinder you from God’s blessings such as pain, bitterness or resentment. Move on, ask for forgiveness, accept the apology that you never get and live your new year with gladness and thanksgiving to God. “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.” – Psalm 23:6