This morning I was reading in Exodus – that great second book of the Bible that describes the Israelites leaving the slavery of Egypt. Got into chapter 12.
There the Jews are told to change the beginning date of their year. Where that date began previously, I’m not sure. Probably based on the culture of the Egyptians.
But now, the new year would begin on the Passover. The day of salvation. A constant reminder as to what was cherished in their culture.
I wonder how we have set our new years?
We begin January 1st, which would appear to be related to our surroundings. That’s when the days get longer and the hope of sunny days is ahead.
We begin in September, which would appear to be related to our selves and the betterment we get when we start a new academic year.
Some people set the new year based on the loss of a loved one. Some on the achievement of greatness. Some on a church year based in the Easter story. Some of us are conflicted because we have many new years!
New years signal new beginnings. If we have no celebration(s), perhaps we have lost hope?