As my family and I were returning from Christmas vacation, we were listening to talk radio. One particular show host was describing why we celebrate the New Year on January 1st and not March 1st as was the custom in times past. We do so because various Roman Emperors wanted to be immortalize themselves with months named after them. The calendar used to go by the moon phases at one time but to meet the demands of the emperors a solar calendar had to be adopted. Eventually the Catholic church made it permanent.
So we here in the United States now celebrate January 1st as the first day of the new year. This is were I really started thinking. Actually I was looking out the kitchen window as I was cleaning the dishes when a thought came to me - that's why you needed the above background to help fill in the holes of my thought processes.
As I looked out the window, I realized that tomorrow will look the same as today. I know it's an enlightening revelation but bear with me. We celebrate the new year in the middle of winter. We all say "Have a Happy New Year" and then the winter blues strike! We all look forward to a new year and it looks the same as today for the next few months!
Our ancient ancestors were much smarter than we. Why? They celebrated each new year when the spring approached. Their new year's journey started when flowers were ready to bloom and the days were getting warmer. We celebrate in time for the days to get grayer and the cold to become colder! Winter BLUES!
Bah Humbug! Yes, a New Year will be here tomorrow but I sure wish the New Year brought with it fresh scents and new life. There is only one way to change this but with the entire world on the same clock I don't think I could get the momentum to bring about this change. So I will give a piece of advice:
Even though tomorrow will look the same as today (except for a rain shower or two) and even though the days are becoming colder (except on the bottom of the earth) , tomorrow brings with it a great adventure. As of December 21st, 2010, each day is becoming longer. As the days become longer the nights grow shorter. As the nights grow shorter the sun gives us warmth for much longer periods of time. As the warmth fills those cold bones remember that the ground is preparing seed for a new spring day which is quickly approaching.
Think about that as you face this new year. Sure problems will happen but with God nights grow shorter as day breaks. Sure the ground may not produce much yield right now and jobs may be few but careful tilling and preparation now opens the door for tomorrow's harvest. Sure life may have its bumps and bruises but tomorrow brings us closer to greater understanding and lasting hope.
Also remember, Spring is around the corner as are the days of cutting grass and pulling weeds and killing insects. But I digress. Enjoy now.
Maybe I over think things (you think). Have a fabulous New Year and remember that new life is available everyday to all who say yes to the Lord and Savior - Jesus Christ. See you next year!
Let this verse develop your passion for this New Year:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)
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