“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
The transition into the New Year has become a special time for me personally. Throughout the years, Decembers have been extremely busy due to semester, family, and church demands. I look forward to the lull and reset for a couple of weeks as the new year begins. These days, I relish the added time at home with family. It has become a time of reflection (on the past year) and renewal (for the year ahead).
In Leviticus 23, the nation of Israel received a series of sacred events for their calendar year. One of which, has come to be called “Rosh Hashana” meaning “Head of the Year” or New Years. However, it took place in their seventh calendar month (Tishri), not their first (Nisan). In some senses, Israel had two “heads” of the year. Their first month, Nisan (our March-April) marked the start of their religious calendar, commemorating their deliverance from Egypt with four festivals – Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, and fifty days later, Shavuoth/Pentecost. The seventh month, Tishri (our September-October), marked the head of their agricultural year. The hard work of harvest was over and a new year of sowing, cultivating and harvesting lay in front of them. The month kicked off with Rosh Hashana/Trumpets followed by the great Day of Atonement on the 10th day, and by the Feast of Booths for a whole week (15th-22nd day).
Interestingly, both starts of the year are marked by significant festivals, involving a good duration of time. One commemorated God’s deliverance from Egypt. The other observed His present provision of annual atonement. Both seasons involved a full week of rest, celebration and the sense of a new start. Passover commemorated the initial new start. The Day of Atonement meant a clean start of divine fellowship for the year, as God renewed His Holy presence among His people (cf. Leviticus 16:15-16, 20-22). All these festivals, in some way foreshadowed the greater deliverance and the greater atonement accomplished through Christ! Therefore, the new year for the Christian, can be marked with similar themes. We remember our new life in Christ, which began at our rebirth (John 3:3-5, 2 Cor. 5:17). We can take time to revitalize and renew our fellowship with God. So, a couple exhortations as we begin 2025…
Be renewed in your life with Christ! You’ve been giving a new life – live it for the glory of God! (1 Cor. 10:31) If last year was great – give thanks and sing praises (James 5:13). If last year was regrettable – still give thanks but press on (Phil. 3:12-14). Be renewed in your purpose and hope! Loving, worshiping, serving, living and laboring for Christ is what matters most. Each of us wields a spiritual influence in the world (Matt. 5:14). Be renewed in your priorities! Cut out whatever may hinder your spiritual race and seek first God’s kingdom (Heb. 12:1-4; Matt. 5:33). Be renewed in your love for God and others. The two greatest commandments should be our central mode of living (Matt. 22:36-40).
Israel’s “Head of the Year” festivals were meant to foster themes of reflection and renewal. How much more should we experience the same sense at our start of the year. Let’s offer our prayers, and ourselves, to Him for the year that lies ahead (Rom. 12:1-2)! God is good and will be in 2025!
Thanks! See you Sunday,
Pastor Dave
