New Year’s celebration to the world is almost no different than casting a coin in the fountain and wishing for something, except it usually involves alcohol, food, dancing, etc.
Most holidays have their origin in spiritual practices whether they be pagan or biblical. In the west many have adopted holidays simply as atheistic humanist approach to them which have little meaning other than a time of self-indulgence.
People focus on holidays because their spiritual self longs for meaning. Meaning beyond the fleeting temporal events of life. Though the western world has currently adopted atheistic humanism as its religion where all spiritual things are made out to be futile and irrelevant, but in ancient times and in other societies of today, the origins of holidays are spiritual not just a day to pause from work, though that can be beneficial as well. Holidays are meant for spiritual worship, reflection, personal challenges to better ones self, community and family fellowship around food.
So what’s so spiritual about New Year’s eve and day, you ask?
For Christians it is a time of spiritual reflection.
New Year’s is the best time to reflect on the past, a time to for self-reflection where we can be honest with ourselves in light of God’s word. It’s also a time to pray and listen to the Holy Spirit concerning your future as well as a time to make the “New Year’s Resolutions” or if you prefer to call it something else, it’s a time to make new pledges to the Lord as well as telling others about your lifestyle choices. Pray and take communion around these resolutions (pledges), write out some scriptures for each of them and meditate on them daily.
Psalm 4:4 (NKJV) tells us, Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah
A time to recognize the old.
There are old things that are worthless, sinful and there are old things that are of value and need to be preserved. Not all old things are good, neither are all old things bad. We must discern and all things by the word of God to make the correct choices. For some, old things are good, things like old books, old memories, old relics, etc.
The old and possibly ancient things that need to be preserved and kept should include:
a. God’s commands (His ways)
b. Feast days
c. Memorials of faith
d. Good godly habits
e. Heritage of faith
There are numerous scriptures that back this list of which some are below:
Exodus 12:14 ESV
“This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast.
John 14:26 ESV
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
Isaiah 43:26 ESV
Put me in remembrance; let us argue together; set forth your case, that you may be proved right.
Psalm 103:2 ESV
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,
Luke 22:19-20 ESV
And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
Matthew 24:35 ESV
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
It is essential to understand that the historical past of our lives defines our history, who we have become, and our strengths and weaknesses. In many ways we are our history. I cannot disassociate my identity from the past. Even if I become a “new person” in Christ, I still carry the “old man” around with me until I die. Becoming a new creation in Christ Jesus does not erase my memories but rather changes my spiritual nature and because of the life of God my spirit is made new.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
It is by the grace of God that we are born again, internally empowered by the Holy Spirit who now dwells within us in the work of salvation. We need not shun from our past but rather let God be glorified as to who he has made us to be. As we learn to yield to the Holy Spirit we can overcome the “old man” that wants to deter our spiritual walk with Christ.
Time to get rid of the old.
Too many people want to throw out the baby with the bath water. We need to be able to separate that which is good and that which is bad from the old. All that is old is not bad neither all that is old is good. We are to get rid of old things that spoil the good in life and godliness. Like rotten food some things will ruin our lives, like the saying, “One bad apple spoils the bunch.” Rotten things in our life will make even the good unclean.
Ephesians 4:22-24 (NKJV)
that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Isaiah 43:18 NKJV
“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old.
This scripture refers not to the good things that are old and need preserving rather the things that can ruin, cause us to falter, or defile our life.
Sorting out new things.
Just as with the old there are good new things and bad new things. One betters a person another ruins a person or even society.
Not all things new are good. Not all things progressive is good. Be warned.
Test all things; hold fast what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 NKJV
Discern and discard new things that are presented as new improved, progressive, liberal thinking that ruins a godly, healthy lifestyle. Much of what is toted today as new ways, new revelation, modern, better can be summed up in this scripture.
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9 (KJV)
The Lord is going to do a new thing if we are prepared.
As believers we desire the Lord to do new things for us. But, we must be spiritually prepared so that we can enter into his goodness, provision, and deliverance. We must cleanse ourselves. Yes, through the blood of Jesus Christ we are cleansed of our sins but we must also regularly participate to cleanse ourselves so we can qualify to be used by the Master.
Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:21 NKJV
For the Lord desires for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Is heaven peaceful? Yes! Is there health in heaven? Yes! Is there provision in heaven? Yes! Then, the Father’s will is a good thing for us and the earth. Let us let go and let God! The L
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19
Concluding thoughts.
Out with the old? Yes and no
In with the new? Yes and no
As we reflect we must do so from a good and honest heart as lovers of truth. By doing so we will save our very souls and others with us. (Jude 23; James 1:21)
Remember the good of 2016. Be grateful for it!
Forget that which would hinder you.
You can’t move forward correctly without dealing with your past and setting things in correct perspective.
2017 will be either a good year or a bad one it predominantly depends on how you handle your past. This is reflected in your worldview, attitude and outlook of your life and the world around you.
– Rev. James A. Miklos
