The New Year starts with the scripture readings for the First Sunday of Advent. On Sunday we start a new three year cycle of readings. On January 9th, after Christmas and Epiphany we will return to what is called Ordinary Time. The weekly gospel readings will be from Matthew.
In the second reading today (Romans 13:11-14) St. Paul urges the Romans to put aside the works of darkness. Most of us have little difficulty putting aside the first set of works on his list (orgies, drunkenness, and promiscuity.) Lest we start feeling virtuous and self-righteous, consider that the next set (dissension and jealously) are still with us. I would add their cousin, resentment, to the list and urge us to set it aside as well. It is the season of Advent. This reading is chosen to remind us that "The night is nearly over, the day is almost here."