Now a new year opens,
Now we newly turn
To the Holy Savior,
Lessons fresh to learn.

This the holy lesson
On the year’s first day,
Jesus by obedience
Teaches to obey.

Of Thy cross thus early
Tokens Thou dost give;
By Thy wounds Thou healest,
By Thy death we live.

Not to suffer only,
Jesus, didst Thou come,
But to leave us way-marks
Pointing to our home.

In Thy blessèd footsteps
Ever may we tread,
Safe when keeping near Thee,
By Thy Spirit led.