Millions around the globe take part in New Year’s celebrations at the end of each year.
Lively gatherings are held to “ring out the old and ring in the new.”
This often involves loud music, kissing at midnight, and binge drinking.
Those celebrating watch with great anticipation on New Year’s Eve as the clock moves from
11:59 to the stroke of midnight, signaling the dawn of a new year.
Many enjoy tuning in to see the “ball drop” at Times Square.
This holiday seems like harmless fun.
Yet, as with other days like Halloween, Christmas and Valentine’s Day, most do not truly consider
why they celebrate it.
Have you ever asked, Should I Celebrate New Year’s?
While this day is not directly mentioned in Scripture, for those who want God’s perspective,
many biblical principles apply.
Jesus taught, “You shall know them by their fruits.”
Examining the fruits of this day makes clear whether you should observe it.
New Year’s celebrations commonly involve drunkenness and revelry.
The loss of inhibitions often leads to illicit sex—resulting in broken homes and unwanted
pregnancy.
The flow of alcohol also can produce heated arguments, fistfights, firing guns in the
air, and even death caused by drunk driving.
Instead of making real, lasting changes in their lives, people seek to forget their problems
through partying.
Countless “New Year’s Resolutions” are made, but the vast majority go unfulfilled.
These fruits prove this holiday cannot be of God, whom the Bible says “is not the
author of confusion, but of peace."
The Greek word translated “confusion” also means “a state of disorder, disturbance.”
This describes New Year’s perfectly!
Paul wrote, “Let your moderation be known unto all men.”
This command is incompatible with a wild night of unrestrained self-indulgence.
Also, history shows the origin of New Year’s celebrations began with pagan civilizations,
motivated by false religious beliefs.
According to the World Book, "In early times, the ancient Romans gave each other New Year's
gifts of branches from sacred trees.
In later years, they gave gold-covered nuts or coins imprinted with pictures of Janus,
the god of gates, doors, and beginnings.
January was named after Janus, who had two faces---one looking forward and the other
looking backward."
Most do not know that that God’s sacred calendar established the beginning of the
year during Spring—not on January 1st.
The Old Testament states, "This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall
be the first month of the year to you."
The month referenced in this passage is the Hebrew month of Abib, which generally falls
between March and April.
This was important because Israel needed to know when to observe God’s annual Holy Days.
The true God does not want His people to throw aside self-control for a night of wild partying.
Instead, He commands Christians to observe His seven annual Holy Days, which are full
of spiritual meaning.
Watch the World to Come broadcast, “Should Christians Celebrate New Year’s?” and
read our booklet, “God’s Holy Days or Pagan Holidays?” to learn more.