The Opening Door

Happy New Year - 2009

I love Celtic things - Traditions, Culture, Art, Music - it all calls to me from some timeless part of me that flows in my blood.

In Celtic culture, the arrival of a new year is sacred. The herald of a new beginning; a fresh start. This was part of the reason why the feast of the Nativity (Christmas) began to be celebrated around the time of the Winter Equinox, when light begins to regain balance against the dark.

In Northern England and Scotland, it is traditional to go from house to house, celebrating the good news of a new year with food and drink. Much importance is given to the one who makes the "first-footing," i.e. the first one to cross the threshold of the open door on the first day of the new year. From that tradition arose a prayer that asks Christ Himself to come and "first-foot."

This prayer comes from a wonderful book called "Celtic Daily Prayer."

 

"This day is a new day 

that has never been before. 

This year is a new year, 

the opening door. 

 

(Open the door) 

 

Enter, Lord Christ - 

we have joy in Your coming. 

You have given us life, 

and we welcome Your coming. 

 

I turn now to face You, 

I lift up my eyes. 

Be blessing my face, Lord; 

be blessing my eyes. 

May all my eye looks on 

be blessed and be bright, 

my neighbours, my loved ones 

be blessed in Your sight. 

 

You have given us life 

and we welcome Your coming. 

Be with us, Lord, 

we have joy, we have joy. 

This year is a new year, 

the opening door. 

Be with us, Lord, 

we have joy, we have joy."

***HAPPY NEW YEAR***