A New Year Rewind: A Biblical Perspective for the Next Year
As I look ahead to the coming year, I find myself reflecting on traditions that bring meaning and perspective to the passing of time. Although I am not Jewish, I am often drawn to the rich symbolism and practices of the Hebrew people. After all, Christians and Jews share a deep historical connection. We trace our faith back to Abraham, Moses, and David. We read the same Old Testament, considering it the revelation of God to mankind. Our faiths diverge at Jesus, whom Christians believe is the fulfillment of God’s promises—a belief that transforms how we see the entire narrative of Scripture.
Even so, I think that Jewish customs often carry a symbolic richness that speaks powerfully to anyone who values God’s covenant and His Word. One such tradition is Simchat Torah, the Jewish New Year celebration. It caught my attention as I prepared for 2025. Their calendar is different from ours; the Jewish New Year falls in the fall, not on January 1. In fact, this year it begins at sundown on October 13 and ends at nightfall on October 15. Despite the timing difference, the heart of this celebration—centered on Scripture—captivated me.
Simchat Torah, which means “The Joy of the Torah,” is a vibrant celebration. The Torah—the first five books of what Christians call the Old Testament—is at the center of their faith and practice. During Simchat Torah, Jewish communities around the world remove the Torah scrolls from their protective arks and rejoice. They dance, they sing, they carry the scrolls on their shoulders like a prized treasure. They include their children in the celebration, lifting them onto their shoulders, symbolizing the passing of God’s Word to the next generation. It’s a party with eternal significance. Practically speaking, it is a celebration of finishing the yearly reading cycle of the Torah and beginning the cycle all over again.
As I considered this joyful tradition, I couldn’t help but ask myself: Do I approach God’s Word with the same sense of reverence and celebration? What if we let the rhythm of Scripture shape our daily lives, our perspective, and even our hope for the future?
So I drew some lessons from the Jewish tradition and applied them to my own perspective of the coming year.
Keep the Scriptures at the Center of Every Day
Have you ever thought about what defines your day? For many of us, our schedules are shaped by work, family obligations, or even the endless scrolling on our phones. But what if the Bible became the true anchor of our lives—the lens through which we see everything else? For Jewish people, the Torah isn’t just a book; it’s their identity. It shapes their worldview, their moral compass, and their understanding of God.
As Christians, we, too, are called to order our lives around God’s Word. The Bible is not just a collection of ancient writings; it is the living revelation of God. Through its pages, we learn Who He is, how He acts, and what He desires for us. We see His character in the faithfulness of Abraham, the courage of Moses, and the compassion of Jesus Christ. We discover His plans for redemption and His relentless pursuit of humanity.
But let’s be honest: daily Bible reading can sometimes feel like a chore. I’ve been there—opening the Bible out of obligation rather than anticipation. Yet, every time I let the Scriptures truly speak to me, I am reminded that they are far more than a checklist item. They are life itself.
This year, I want to challenge both myself and you to let the Bible shape our days. Instead of turning to social media for comfort or guidance, what if we turned to the Psalms? Instead of relying on our own wisdom for tough decisions, what if we sought God’s direction through His Word? The Bible has the final say in matters of morality, wisdom, and comfort. It’s not designed to tell us everything about the universe, but it gives us everything we need to know God, to learn His ways, and to walk with Him.
Learn to Celebrate the Word, Not Just Study It
When was the last time you truly celebrated God’s Word? Not just studied it, not just read it—but rejoiced over it? This question convicts me because, if I’m honest, I don’t always approach the Bible with the joy and awe it deserves. Yet Simchat Torah offers a powerful reminder that Scripture is worth celebrating.
Imagine the scene: people dancing with Torah scrolls, singing songs of praise, and lifting children onto their shoulders. To an outsider, it might look like foolishness. But isn’t that what faith often looks like—an act of joyful surrender that challenges worldly logic? When I think about their celebration, I am reminded of David dancing before the Ark of the Covenant, undignified and unashamed because he was so overwhelmed by the presence of God.
As Christians, we have even more reason to rejoice. We don’t just have the Torah; we have the full revelation of God in Jesus Christ. The Bible is not just a rulebook; it’s the story of God’s relentless love for humanity. It’s the story of our salvation, our redemption, and our eternal hope. How can we not celebrate that?
This year, let’s find ways to celebrate God’s Word. Maybe it’s through a family tradition of reading Scripture together and reflecting on its meaning. Maybe it’s through worship that focuses on the beauty of God’s promises. Or maybe it’s simply through pausing to thank God for speaking to us through His Word. Whatever it looks like, make 2025 a year of joyful celebration of the gift of God’s Word.
Look Forward to the Ultimate Conclusion of the Story
One of the most beautiful aspects of Simchat Torah is the act of rewinding the scrolls back to the beginning. It’s a powerful reminder that the story of God is ongoing—it doesn’t end; it begins again. As I thought about this tradition, I couldn’t help but see the parallels to our own faith.
The Bible begins in a garden and ends in a city. But the end is not really the end—it’s the beginning of eternity. What God started in Eden, He will complete in the New Jerusalem. His plan for humanity is not a closed book; it’s an unfolding story that we are privileged to be part of. If you will, it is the end, but only the end of the beginning.
When we make God’s Word the center of our lives, we align ourselves with this eternal perspective. We are reminded that our struggles are not the final chapter. Our pain, our failures, our fears—they are all part of a story that God is redeeming. And the best part? The ending has already been written. Jesus has conquered sin and death, and because of Him, we have the hope of eternal life.
As we step into a new year, look forward with anticipation. See each day as a new beginning, an opportunity to grow closer to God and to live out His purposes for our lives. And remember that the story God is writing—His story—is one of redemption, restoration, and eternal joy.
Conclusion
Simchat Torah teaches us something profound: God’s Word is not just meant to be read; it’s meant to be celebrated, cherished, and lived. As we move into 2025, I invite you to join me in making Scripture the center of your lives. Read it daily, celebrate it joyfully, and let it shape how you see the world.
So, as you set your goals for 2025, I encourage you to add one more to your list: fall in love with God’s Word. Dance with it, celebrate it, and let it lead you into the next chapter of your life. After all, the Author of this story is faithful, and He is writing something beautiful.
