The Closing Year, A Christ-Centered Poem of Reflection
The Closing Year poem inspires reflection, resolutions, and a Christ-centered life.
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The Closing Year, A Christ-Centered Poem of Reflection
Updated December 16, 2024, by Catherine Pulsifer
The Closing Year is a powerful poem that invites reflection as we approach the end of a year. It speaks to the desire to live with purpose, embracing kindness, love, and Christ’s example. With each verse, the poet challenges us to consider the work we’ve done and the opportunities we’ve missed, urging us to take action and do better in the coming year. This poem encourages us to focus on living a Christ-centered life, helping others, and walking faithfully in God's path. Let it inspire you as you reflect on the past year and set your intentions for the year ahead.
The Closing Year
Poet: Unknown
How soon the year has passed away!
How soon its race was run!
And of the work I planned to do,
How little has been done!
I vowed to more of kindness show
To those who were in need;
To help the fallen, save the lost,
And sow the precious seed;
To soothe the sorrow, dry the tear,
And others' burdens bear;
To be more Christlike every day,
And in his work to share;
To live more pure in mind and thought,
And evil habits shun;
To be more careful of my words,
And kind to every one.
But as I look back o'er the past
And view the things I've done,
The very work I planned to do
Has only been begun.
On every side were open doors
I might have entered in;
On every hand were sinful hearts
I had the power to win;
On every side were saddened hearts
And heads bowed down with woe,
Where dearest joys had fled away
To these I did not go;
And when some hard and crushing blow
The trusting heart had broken,
A kindly word would heal the wound
That word was never spoken.
Shall I go on through all the years
And all these duties shirk?
Shall I presume upon His love
And fail to do His work?
Can I expect to wear a crown
And join the blood-washed throng?
Shall I, with saints and angels, join
To sing redemption's song?
No; I must bravely take my cross
And do His work in love,
Assured if I will do my part,
I'll share his joy above.
Lord, give to me thy grace divine,
That through each coming day,
My feet may ever keep the path
That leads the upward way.
In The Closing Year, three key messages stand out:
-
Reflection on missed opportunities
The poet reflects on how much of the work they intended to do - such as showing kindness, helping others, and living
more Christlike - remained unfinished. This highlights the importance of reflecting on our actions and striving to fulfill the good intentions we set for ourselves.
-
The call to action and responsibility
The poem reminds us that life presents countless opportunities to serve others
- whether it’s offering a kind word or helping a burdened heart. We are
encouraged not to overlook these chances, as we are responsible for acting on them, fulfilling God’s work through our actions.
-
Faith and commitment to do better
Despite the shortcomings, the poet resolves to take up their cross and follow God’s path with determination. They trust that with
God's grace, they can stay on the right path and ultimately share in God's joy above.
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