Celebrate new beginnings with inspiring reflections and themes from The New Year.
Updated December 4, 2025, by Catherine Pulsifer
The start of a new year is a time filled with hope, reflection, and anticipation for what lies ahead. In The New Year, C. E. Lund beautifully captures these sentiments, encouraging us to embrace each moment with purpose and compassion. This heartfelt poem reminds us of the importance of helping others, finding joy in the journey, and leaning on hope during life's challenges. Its timeless message inspires us to walk into the new year with love in our hearts and peace as our guide.
Outmarching time, with rapid stride,
Like onward flow of ebbing tide,
Has carried forth the closing year,
And hailed the new one to appear.
As at its threshold now we stand,
May each extend a helping hand;
And ever aid, in word and deed,
The sad and suffering in their need.
We know not what this year may bring,
But at its advent we will sing,
that higher aims may fill our hearts,
As day by day the year departs.
If joy shall smile upon our way,
And we are spared to longer stay,
May we reflect that joyful smile
And keep our lives devoid of guile.
Should sorrow, sadness, sickness, death,
Becloud our lives and still our breath;
May hope increasing, brighter grow,
That we no sting of death may know.
Our motto for this day shall be,
"Let peace and love abide in me,
And may we help each other bear
The ills that come throughout the year."
The poem emphasizes starting the new year with hope and higher aims, encouraging kindness and a commitment to help those in need.
It highlights the importance of reflecting joy in good times while maintaining hope and resilience during challenges like sorrow, illness, or loss.
The closing lines focus on adopting a motto of love, peace, and mutual support, emphasizing the value of helping others as we journey through the year.
It’s a heartfelt message that reminds us to face each new day with intention and compassion.
As we step into a new year, may the message of this poem stay close to our hearts. Each day offers a chance to show kindness, to lift someone’s spirit, and to choose hope even when life feels uncertain. Let peace guide your thoughts and let love shape your choices. When we walk forward with a willing heart and a gentle attitude, the year ahead becomes brighter. May this season remind you that small acts of compassion can make a big difference, and that each new beginning carries its own quiet promise of joy.
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