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New Year; a time for Reflection
As the New Year approaches, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the year ahead. For Christians, this can also be a time to consider what the Bible has to say about the New Year and how we can approach it in a way that is pleasing to God.
The Bible does not specifically mention the New Year as we know it today, as the concept of a new year beginning on January 1st is a tradition that dates back to the ancient Romans. However, the Bible does speak about the importance of new beginnings and the hope that comes with them.
In the Old Testament, the Israelites celebrated the new year with the festival of Rosh Hashanah, (Numbers 29:1-6) which marked the beginning of the civil year. Rosh Hashanah is still celebrated by Jewish people today, and it is a time of reflection and repentance. The festival is seen as a time to start anew and make right any wrongs that have been committed in the past.
The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of new beginnings. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul writes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This verse highlights the transformative power of faith in Jesus, who offers us the opportunity to start anew and become a new creation.
As Christians, the New Year can be a time for us to rededicate ourselves to following Jesus and living out our faith. This might involve setting spiritual goals, such as reading the Bible more, praying more consistently, or getting more involved in a church community. 2 Chronicles 7:14
The New Year can also be a time to focus on becoming more like Jesus in our everyday lives. This might involve working on becoming more patient, kind, or selfless. It could also involve serving others and showing God’s love to those around us. John 13:15, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Titus 2:12
In addition to setting spiritual goals, the New Year can also be a time to set personal goals related to our health, relationships, careers, or other areas of life. The Bible encourages us to work towards becoming the best version of ourselves, Colossians 3:9-10, and setting goals can be a helpful way to do this.
However, it’s important to remember that our ultimate goal should be to glorify God, not just to achieve personal success or happiness. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
As we approach the New Year, it can be helpful to spend time in prayer, asking God to guide us as we set goals and make plans for the year ahead. We can also ask for His strength and wisdom as we strive to follow Him and live out our faith.
The New Year is a time of hope and new beginnings, and as Christians, we can approach it with a sense of excitement and anticipation, knowing that God is with us and has a plan for our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 Let’s start the New Year off right by seeking God’s guidance and working towards becoming the best versions of ourselves, all for His glory.
Dear Heavenly Father, guide me through this new year helping me to always consider what You want. Guide every step I take, every thought I have, and every path I choose. In Jesus Name Amen
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