New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are celebrated worldwide, ringing in the new and ringing out the old. It’s a time for new beginnings and fresh starts. The toasting glasses
at midnight and the fireworks high in the sky depict the New Year celebrations. It is the time to start a new and fresh in all aspects of life. It is time to reflect and better oneself to be as good as one can be.
What are the origins and traditions of New Years Day? Google states that January 1 is itself a religious holiday because it is the feast of the circumcision of Christ (seven days after His birth) and the commemoration of saints. Others say it is rooted in Roman Pagan holidays. Regardless of its origins, the Christian walk is all about new beginnings, and that is what we are really celebrating on New Years Day – a fresh start.
Three keys to a fresh start in the New Year with Jesus.
- The first thing you should do is accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Giving your life to Him and letting him take control is essential. Start by saying the sinner’s prayer. When you want a do-over with any relationship, it is always best to ask for forgiveness.
- Surround yourself with godly caring friends who will be an asset in keeping you accountable in your new relationship with God. The Bible says, “If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Ecc. 4:10.
- Read your Bible and let the Holy Spirit teach you. It is critical in any relationship that you have to spend time working on it if you want it to last and grow. There are many good Bible reading plans; pick one that works for you and get started. If you want to make it personalized, use the Bible Reading Plan Generator, it is a beneficial tool.
Jesus is our hope for a fresh start. When we come to Him for salvation, He comes into our lives and makes everything new, and we become born again (John 3:3-8).
It seems like a contradiction, but we’re actually in the proper position when we need a fresh start; we are in the place to receive. When we are empty, we’re positioned to be filled.
God is in the business of fresh starts and making all things new. His healing brings restoration beyond understanding, no matter where you come from or what you’ve done. Having a fresh start in Jesus is the best way to start your New Year.
As we review the past year, let’s learn from our mistakes and celebrate the victories in Christ. As you focus on the New Year and goal setting, be mindful of God’s plan for your life. Happy New Year – take advantage of the fresh start!
