By DrGLCSr 
WHY WE’RE RECOGNIZING THE EVENING AS THE BEGINNING OF 2025 NEW YEAR
We’re doing something different, yet, inline with the Bible’s definition of the day. We will celebrate the New Year at the beginning of the evening. Read the fascinating Biblical account of how we decided to celebrate the New Year on this way.
2025 will be a year of “Change, Changes, Changed”. Come to be a part of the change. You make the change to change. I’m looking to see you!
Introduction
As the clock winds down on December 31st, 2024, consider embracing a time-honored tradition that challenges the conventional midnight celebration. Instead, join us in recognizing the New Year as beginning in the evening, a practice steeped in biblical significance. This approach not only aligns with centuries-old traditions but also offers a spiritually enriching way to usher in 2025. By gathering one hour before sunset, we aim to reflect on biblical teachings that underscore the power of beginnings and endings marked by tranquility and introspection. This celebration invites you to align your New Year with the divine rhythm of creation, finding deeper meaning in every moment of transition.
Biblical Foundations of Evening and Morning
In the creation narrative of Genesis, the phrase “evening and morning” defines each day, highlighting a divine order where each day begins at sunset. Genesis 1:5 states, “And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.” This scriptural foundation establishes the Jewish and early Christian understanding of a day starting in the evening. Theologically, this reflects God’s design, where light follows darkness, symbolizing hope and renewal. The evening, therefore, becomes a sacred time of preparation and rest, setting the stage for the light of a new day. Attending the New Year event at sunset aligns with this biblical principle, inviting participants to begin their year with reflection and anticipation of the light that follows.
Symbolic Meanings of Evening and Morning
Evening (“Erev”)
The Hebrew word “erev” carries rich connotations beyond the physical transition from day to night. It symbolizes a time of mixture and transition, where clarity emerges from obscurity. Theologically, evening represents the beginning of a new day, a time to pause and reflect on the past while setting intentions for the future. Just as God initiated creation with darkness, our celebration at sunset marks the opportunity for new beginnings, encouraging us to embrace change and growth as divine gifts.
Morning (“Boker”)
“Boker,” meaning morning, signifies the break of dawn—light piercing through the darkness. This imagery reflects God’s promise of renewal and hope, a theme woven throughout scripture. Morning represents divine intervention, where chaos gives way to order, and despair transforms into hope. By acknowledging the New Year as beginning with the evening, participants are invited to experience this spiritual journey from darkness to light, symbolizing personal and communal transformation.
Theological and Practical Implications
The “evening and morning” cycle in Genesis offers profound theological insights into God’s nature as a bringer of order and clarity. This pattern of moving from darkness to light mirrors the spiritual journey of believers, who are called to walk in faith, trusting in divine timing. Practically, beginning the New Year at sunset allows for a period of rest and introspection. It serves as a reminder of the importance of setting spiritual goals, seeking God’s guidance for the year ahead. By aligning with this sacred rhythm, attendees can foster a deeper connection to their faith, making the New Year’s transition a time of spiritual renewal.
Join us in our yearly JANUARY FAST.
Historical and Cultural Influences
Understanding the historical context of day reckoning enhances the significance of celebrating the New Year at evening. The Jewish practice of a sunset-to-sunset day influenced early Christian traditions, including the observance of the Sabbath and other liturgical practices. This cultural heritage underscores the continuity of faith through time and invites modern believers to reconnect with these ancient rhythms. While the transition from Julian to Gregorian calendars refined date-keeping, it left the spiritual significance of evening beginnings untouched, reinforcing the timeless nature of this practice.
Invitation to the Event
Join us on December 31st, 2024, as we gather one hour before sunset to welcome the New Year through a lens of faith and reflection. The event will feature an inspiring program of scriptural readings, communal prayers, and moments of silence to encourage personal introspection. This celebration offers a unique opportunity for spiritual enrichment, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. By attending, you commit to beginning your year in alignment with God’s divine order, embracing the transformative journey from evening to morning. We will complete the program with Holy Communion.
Conclusion
In closing, recognizing the New Year as beginning in the evening invites us to embrace a deeper spiritual practice rooted in biblical tradition. This celebration offers a unique opportunity to align our lives with God’s creative rhythm, finding hope and renewal in the transitions of life. We encourage you to join us in this meaningful observance, allowing the evening to guide you into a year filled with divine light and clarity.