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

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

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

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

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