Lord Jesus, I come to you this day asking that you will be with me in this new year, and that I will serve you each day in 2008.  Your coming into the world in an inauspicious place like the stable tells me that you were born to bring hope, joy and love to a world trapped in darkness. 

Your death on the cross not only proved your love and the love of God for all of mankind, and for me, it also provided me through your saving grace the assurance of the forgiveness of my sins and of my salvation. 

Knowing you, Lord Jesus, as my Lord and Savior is the greatest gift and privilege that I have ever recieved.  I pray that your promise of being with me always will burn in my heart and in my mind in this new year as your illumination of the Word burned in the hearts and minds of Cleopas and the other disciple on the Road to Emmaus. 

Open my eyes so that I will become your hands and feet in extending care and love to those in need.  Motivate me to step forward to extend acts of random kindness to those I meet in this new year.  Help me to lead others to know you as their Lord and Savior through my telling of your birth, life, death and resurrection from the grave.

Forgive me of my sins and transgressions aganist your Word and your laws.  Lead me that I may walk in the path of righteousness the remaining days of my life.

And, Lord Jesus, I praythat you will bless those I love keeping them in your eternal and abiding love and care, and that one day we will stand before you in heaven singing praise to your name forever and ever.  Amen.