Spring: The Perfect Time to Celebrate the New Year According to the God of Israel

 

By Officer Charmain D. Ford March 3, 2023

As the days get longer and the world comes alive in the spring, with trees budding, flowers blooming, and wildlife emerging from hibernation, the birds return to build their nests, and the excitement of a new beginning fills the air. It is a time of renewal, a time of hope, and a time of celebration. This season of renewal and rebirth is the perfect time to rejuvenate oneself and make new beginnings. Spring is also a season of hope, joy, and positivity. The sun shines brighter, the days get longer, and people start to shed their winter blues. Celebrating the New Year in the spring means starting the year positively, with renewed energy, enthusiasm, and optimism.

For the God of Israel and his chosen people, this time of year marks the beginning of a new year – a time of new opportunities and blessings. This article will explore the benefits and advantages of celebrating the New Year in the spring, which is the God of Israel’s New Year and a statute for his chosen people.

The God of Israel’s New Year

The God of Israel’s new year begins on the new moon closest to the spring equinox. The New Year is called Abib (Exodus 23:15), which means “spring”. It is the first month of the Israelite calendar and marks the beginning of the agricultural cycle, a time for the sowing of seeds. It is a time of rebirth and renewal when new life bursts forth from the ground as the earth awakens from its winter slumber and begins to produce new life.

In the book of Exodus, God speaks to Moses and Aaron and tells them that Abib will be the first month of the year for the Israelites. “This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you” (Exodus 12:2).

The Month of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread

One of the significant highlights of Abib is that it is the month of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Passover commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and the beginning of their journey towards the Promised Land. It is a time to remember God’s faithfulness and provision, as well as a time to reflect on the importance of freedom and redemption.

The Israelites were commanded to eat only unleavened bread for seven days during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This event reminded them of their hasty departure from Egypt, where they did not have time to let their bread rise. It is also a time to remember the bitterness of the Israelites’ enslavement, symbolised by the bitter herbs. Finally, it is an ordinance that all Israelites must keep forever throughout their generations (Exodus 12:17).

 

The Importance of Following Statutes

God’s commandment to celebrate the New Year in the spring and observe Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread is a statute given to the Israelites. A statute is a culture, commandment or law the God of Israel gives, which is to be obeyed and followed.

God says to the Israelites in the book of Leviticus, “These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons. In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD’s Passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread” (Leviticus 23:4-6).

Following God’s statutes and celebrating the New Year in the spring, the Israelites should acknowledge their faith and devotion to God. Observing these special occasions also creates a sense of community and unity.

The Benefits of Celebrating the New Year in the Spring

According to the God of Israel’s calendar, there are many benefits and advantages in celebrating the New Year in the spring. Here are some of them:

Spiritual Renewal: Just as the earth is renewed in the spring, so can our spirits be renewed as we reflect on how the God of Israel delivered the Israelites from the land of their captivity by a mighty right hand while devastating their enemies. It is a time to reset and refocus our priorities and seek God’s guidance for the year ahead.

Community: The spring festivals provide an excellent opportunity for solidarity and community. During the Passover season, the Israelite families gather around the table to share a meal and re-tell the Exodus story. It is a time to strengthen relationships and build new ones.

Growth and Development: The spring season also provides growth and development opportunities. Reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the year ahead; can strengthen our faith, character, and relationships. We can also develop new skills and talents as we participate in the various activities and traditions of the season.

Connection to the Cycle of Life: The spring season is deeply connected to the cycle of life and the agricultural cycle. As we participate in the various customs and traditions, we are reminded of our dependence on the God of Israel’s provision and our responsibility to spread the truth, as many of us do not have physical land to cultivate.


INWWM’s Grand New Year Celebration

Imagine celebrating the New Year in the spring with the beauty of nature in full bloom, the fragrance of flowers in the air, and the sun’s warmth on your skin. The season symbolises new beginnings, making it the perfect time to set goals and aspirations for the coming year.

After several years of lockdowns and restrictions due to COVID-19, the Israelite Nation World-Wide Ministries (INWWM) will be hosting a grand New Year’s celebration for brethren from around the world and their guests. The New Year celebration will be a time of rejoicing as brethren gather to celebrate the start of a new year.

The celebration will include worship, music, dancing, traditional food, and various activities that align with the New Year’s biblical teachings. It will be a time of reflection as brethren reflect on the past year and look forward to the blessings and opportunities that the new year will bring.

By participating in the INWWM’s grand New Year celebration, brethren will experience the joy and significance of celebrating the New Year in the spring season. They will be able to connect with old and new brethren from around the world and create a sense of unity and one accord. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to experience the rich history and traditions of the Israelites.

Conclusion;

Spring is a time of renewal, and rebirth and the perfect time to celebrate the true New Year. As the God of Israel’s New Year begins in the month of Abib (spring), it is a time of great significance for the Israelites. By following God’s statutes and celebrating the New Year in the spring, the Israelites can demonstrate their faith and dedication to the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob and create a sense of community and unity.