In reality it is just another day - one day that follows any other - a pattern occurs throughout Eternity – a pattern that we cannot hurry, slow or stop. However, for some reason the first day of the new year holds special significance.
It is not just our Western society, but all cultures celebrate their historic or cultural New Year (for example, the Chinese New Year is in February – this year it is the Year of the Rabbit; and the Jewish New Year – Rosh Hashanah – is in September; ... there are many others).
I have been reflecting on why New Year is seen as something 'different' from every other day.
Perhaps we find the idea of a 'brand new year' an opportunity to leave the past behind. The hard times, the challenges, any perceived negative moments we experienced over the past 12 months are now associated with the words 'last year' and so seem that little bit further removed from the 'here and now'. The pain or problems of those hard times seem a little more distant in our memory.
Perhaps it is because the start of the new year provides an opportunity to begin working towards achieving some important personal goals we may have.
Or perhaps our anticipation is just because each new year is full of possibility and the unknown, perhaps even an adventure (no matter how large or small). Perhaps this just leaves people brimming with excitement.
Have you ever considered what the start of a new year means to you?
This year of 2011 is special to me personally, and I would like to share a story about my Christian Faith.
This is the year that I will get married, so it is with real excitement that I start the year. I have been a single woman for many years, and after longing for a partner to share my life with, and a great deal of prayer to God about this point, I believe God made me a promise.
Four years ago God promised me He would provide me with a partner to help me in life. His promise gave me a real peace at the time, and I have held on to His promise since that day. I have shared it with only my closest family and friends.
As my wedding day approaches later this year I believe it is a day that represents the fulfillment of God's promise to me. It will be a day of great joy and the start of many years together with the special man God sent to me. So for this reason the start of 2011 is truly exciting for me!
The start of the new year has also been a time for me to reflect on the previous 12 months. Personally, 2010 was an exhausting year that involved starting a new and very stressful job, moving house 4 times, buying my first home, the passing of a loved Grandfather and more.
As I recalled to a friend recently, all the challenges of the past year meant that I felt quietly justified in my exhaustion and hopeful that the new year would deliver a period of calm and easier times.
So, for me, New Year's Day of 2011 certainly was not 'just another day', but one that signified a change in my life. I hope that you, too, can put the stresses of the past behind you and look forward to a Happy New Year.