The Blessing of a New Year
From the Pastor’s Desk:
The Blessing of a New Year
‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.’ (Numbers 6:24-26)
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, these ancient words from the Aaronic Benediction beckon us into a place of hope and promise. Given by God to Moses and Aaron to bless the people of Israel, this blessing has echoed through the centuries as a declaration of God’s care and presence. It is a fitting word to guide us as we step into 2025.
The new year often brings a mixture of emotions. For some, it’s a time of excitement and renewal—a chance to reset, make plans, and dream of what might be. For others, the transition may carry the weight of uncertainty or grief, as they face unresolved challenges or unfulfilled hopes. Regardless of how you feel about this turning of the calendar, the Aaronic Benediction reminds us that we do not enter this new season alone.
The Lord Bless You and Keep You
The opening line of this blessing affirms God’s desire to provide for and protect His people. To “bless” is to bestow favor, abundance, and flourishing, while to “keep” is to guard, preserve, and sustain. As we enter the new year, we can trust that God’s hand remains steadfastly over our lives, both in times of plenty and in seasons of need. This assurance invites us to surrender our fears and anxieties to Him, knowing that His care is unfailing.
The Lord Make His Face to Shine Upon You and Be Gracious to You
The image of God’s shining face is one of intimacy and favor. It signifies His attentive presence and His delight in His people. In a world often marked by harshness and rejection, this blessing speaks of God’s grace—His unmerited favor and boundless love. As we reflect on the past year, let us be mindful of the moments when His grace has upheld us, and let us move forward with the confidence that His kindness will continue to meet us in the days ahead.
The Lord Lift Up His Countenance Upon You and Give You Peace
To lift up one’s countenance is to look upon someone with approval and care. This portion of the blessing assures us that God sees us and is deeply invested in our well-being. The gift of His peace—shalom—goes beyond the absence of conflict; it encompasses wholeness, harmony, and restoration. As we set goals and navigate challenges in the coming year, this peace can anchor us, enabling us to face the unknown with steady hearts.
Stepping Forward in Faith
The Aaronic Benediction is not just a wish or a hopeful sentiment; it is a declaration rooted in God’s character and promises. As we receive these words, we are reminded that our lives are held in the hands of the One who is both sovereign and loving. This truth empowers us to step into the new year with faith rather than fear.
Practically, how might we live out this blessing in 2025? Here are a few reflections:
- Embrace Gratitude: Begin each day by recalling the ways God has blessed and kept you. Gratitude has a way of shifting our perspective, helping us to see God’s goodness even in challenging times.
- Seek His Presence: Make time for prayer and Scripture, allowing His face to shine upon you through the truth of His Word. In His presence, we find the grace and guidance we need.
- Be a Peacemaker: As recipients of God’s peace, let us be agents of reconciliation and love in our homes, workplaces, and communities. A kind word or a gracious act can reflect God’s countenance to those around us.
- Trust His Keeping: When worries about the future arise, remind yourself of God’s faithfulness. He has been your keeper in the past, and He will not fail you now.
As we step into 2025, let the Aaronic Benediction be both a prayer and a proclamation over our lives. May we walk forward with confidence, knowing that the Lord’s blessing, grace, and peace will guide us every step of the way. Happy New Year!