Happy New Year! ...Although this is not a biblical New Year, it is the beginning of the Biblical Feast of Trumpets

 

From: Margie Rudolph [mailto:rudolphmail@aol.com]

Subject: Happy New Year!

 

Shalom Prayer Warriors,

 

Tonight began the traditional Jewish New Year known as Rosh Hashanah. Because the two-day celebration will end on Friday evening, this means that most businesses, offices, and public transportation will be closed until after the Sabbath, making this a three-day holiday. Although this is not a biblical New Year, it is the beginning of the Biblical Feast of Trumpets mentioned in Leviticus 23:24 and Numbers 29:1. (The actual New Year is mentioned in Exodus 12:2). The Feast of Trumpets is the first of the "High Holy Days."

 

There are many traditions surrounding this time of year. One of my favorites is to eat apples and honey to signify our hope for a sweet and good new year. The shofar (ram's horn) is blown to awaken us from spiritual sleep and begin the new year with greater commitment to bless the Lord more than the year before. It also is the traditional anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve.

 

Most people greet one another with "Shanah Tova," (Good Year). Religious Jews add, "Ketivah vi-chatima Tova." This means, "May you be written and sealed in the good Book of Life." This holiday begins the 10 Days of Awe that will culminate on Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement.) Next to the Sabbath, this is the most holy of all days to the Jewish people. Yom Kippur is the day the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies to atone for the sins of the Jewish people.

 

We are so thankful that the Lord is the One who gives us new beginnings. He is the One who writes our name in the Book of Life through the Blood of the Lord Jesus. We don't have to do "good deeds" in order to win His favor to secure us a place in the Book. No, we do them because that is who we are in Him.

 

Jesus because the Servant King and showed us by His life how to live and serve. He is the One who is our High Priest. And He is the One who calls us to wake from our spiritual slumber to be about His business. Oh, that we may awaken and know that the coming of the Lord is closer than ever before! May we not miss one opportunity to be all He wants and desires...and has created....us to be.

 

With many blessings and Shanah Tova,

 

Sarah

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