The ancient Jews celebrated the New Year with a festival known as “Rosh Hashanah,” which means “head of the year.” It’s still observed today in Judaism. Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days and is a time to remember, rejoice, and reengage through, among other things, reflection, prayer, and the blowing of the shofar (a ram’s horn). It typically falls in September or early October and is a time for Jewish communities to come together to welcome the new year with introspection and renewal.
Rosh Hashanah is mentioned in the Bible as “Yom Teruah” or the “Day of Trumpets.” The biblical references can be found in Leviticus 23:23-25 and Numbers 29:1-6. These passages describe the observance of the holiday with the blowing of trumpets or shofars and offerings made to the Lord. Over time, Yom Teruah became Rosh Hashanah.
In Leviticus 23:23-25, God commands the Israelites to observe this special holy day on the first day of the seventh month. It’s marked by bowing trumpets, a day of rest, and a sacred assembly. It’s a time for reflection, remembrance, and a reminder to thank God for all He has done and honor Him in the year that lies ahead.
It’s worth noting the symbolism of the shofar. The piercing sound of the shofar serves as a call to repentance, awakening people to self-reflection and the need for spiritual growth. Its sound is often associated with awakening one’s soul. Its blast is a reminder to break free of spiritual slumber and reconnect with God. Ultimately, the shofar is associated with the concept of redemption, with its sound symbolizing the hope for the ultimate redemption of all who receive Christ as Savior and Lord. The “memorial of blowing” of the shofar, Rosh Hashanah, carries deep spiritual significance, calling us to remember the Lord and His faithfulness in the past, rejoicing in His faithfulness in the future, and therefore, reengaging in His service in this next year.
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it’s customary to set resolutions or goals for the future. I want to present a particular kind of resolution or goal rooted in our spiritual journey. Let’s resolve to remember, rejoice, and reengage with the Lord in the coming year.
Imagine you receive a beautifully wrapped gift on New Year’s Day. Inside is a journal, but not just any journal – it’s a “Faithful Year Journal.” This journal has three sections: “Remember,” “Rejoice,” and “Reengage.” Let’s unpack each section.
In the “Remember” section, you jot down significant moments from the past year when you felt God’s presence and guidance. Maybe it was a difficult situation He helped you through or a joyful moment of answered prayer. These entries serve as your spiritual milestones. Just as the Israelites set up memorial stones to remember God’s faithfulness (Joshua 4), we, too, must remember God’s faithfulness in our lives. It’s essential to start the year with gratitude for the past.
Turn to the “Rejoice” section of your journal. Here, you record moments of pure joy and thanksgiving – those times when you felt an overwhelming sense of God’s love and grace. Recall Psalm 100:2: “Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” Rejoicing in the Lord brings us joy and draws us closer to Him. This section helps us maintain a spirit of celebration throughout the year.
Lastly, open the “Reengage” section. This is where you list specific ways you plan to deepen your relationship with God in the new year. It might include reading the Bible daily, serving, or joining a connect or care group. Think of this as a spiritual action plan. Just as the Israelites renewed their covenant with God (Nehemiah 9), we must reengage with Him intentionally and purposefully.
As you go through this “Faithful Year Journal,” you’ll find that remembering God’s faithfulness, rejoicing in His love, and reengaging with Him will transform your relationship with the Lord and others. It’s a resolution or goal that will bring you closer to the source of all joy, strength, and purpose in the new year. Let’s embark on this journey together, seeking to grow in faith and drawing nearer to our Creator as we head into this new year. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!