Happy New Year!
Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful” (Revelation 21:5).
There is something about the word new that invokes a sense value, (As in we tend to appreciate a new car or new house) It can create a sense of wonder, (As in learning something new that is beneficial to our maturity). It can also stir up the springs of hope (New in the sense of second chance, or fresh start, etc.)
The seasons change as the yearly progression of time marches on. It is the Lord’s configuration of the sun, moon, and stars of His universe that measures it. Thus, for most people a hopeful expectation springs forth with the dawn of every New Year. Old things pass away and behold, all things become new.
Concepts of old and new are replete throughout Scripture, history, and the literature amongst every tribe, nation, and tongue. Biblically, Jesus stated, “Then He said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old’” (Matthew 13:52).
In this case, the concepts of new and old, serve a godly, redemptive purpose. It is vital in life to know the entirety of Scripture, both Old and New Testaments. Knowing the whole counsel of God for personal edification and as a ministry unto others is a worthy, lifetime Kingdom pursuit.
We study history and typically place it in the category of old or ancient. We consider the modern era “new.” Far too many in this generation, however, think that newer means better. New technology, like virtual reality, can give us a sense of greater intelligence, advancement, and accomplishment without these traits actually taking place in reality. Besides that, how many consider what this progress has done to diminish our brain capacity and physical prowess. For instance, it is estimated that most males in this generation have half the testosterone levels of their grandfathers.
We live in a generation that relies more on gadgets and machinery than our own wits and brawn. I know that working smarter is better than working harder, but who is smarter, the gadgets or us? What would happen to most of our lives if the grid went down along with the internet? How would we do life if our phones, calculators, and GPSs no longer worked? Where would mankind be if Alexa could not give us answers? You get the idea.
No doubt that there is great good that has come with the advancement of technology, but there is also great danger. Some of the new technology is manipulating humanity to assimilate and become part of the modern machine. What is the cost concerning our future? We are losing what it means to be fully human as in olden times. Obviously, this dramatic development is newer, but definitely not better.
Moreover, for the sake of moral sanity, we should hold on to the proper use of pronouns and reject the “newer” use of pronouns. The folly of the progressive movement has produced a generation that says “follow the science” and then violates science to its core. To the point, our young are debasing their minds and mutilating their bodies to establish a distorted worldview that must be acknowledged as reality or else one will be canceled. The old normal is abnormal and the new abnormal is now considered normal.
In family, we think of new born babes and rejoice. It is dawn of their life. We think of the elderly and empathize. They are in the twilight of their life. As Christians, we wrestle with the old man and seek to put to death the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). Yet, we glory in the new man, “which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). On and on it goes as we wrestle between what is old and what is new. One thing for sure, 2022 is another year that will soon be regulated to the past as 2023 emerges with its annual anticipation of a New Year.
Glorious Incarnation:
Our last two podcast episodes covered the “Glorious Incarnation.” Christmas has become many things to many people. Some are for it, while others are against it. The purpose was to discuss the birth of Christ as it relates to us personally as individuals and what it portends for the future of our poor-fallen world. Unfortunately, there was not enough time to cover how our family, the Thomas Nation, celebrates Christmas. What traditions have we developed as one year closes out and a new one appears? The following is written to prayerfully inspire your families as we consciously approach “The most wonderful time of the year.”
Christmas Tree-Family Tree
Our Christmas tree each year is, in reality, our family tree. We have ornaments on our tree that date back to 1985. This was the year the Thomas Nation commenced. Each year we add a new ornament that captures something special that took place during the year.
For instance, this year, I brought back from our Northern Ireland missionary trip a Christmas ornament from St Patrick’s Cathedral. We also have ornaments that remind us of loved ones who have departed and are with our Lord in glory. Strategically placing their ornaments on the Christmas tree has a catharsis impact upon our family. It’s a walk down memory lane. Sometimes it draws a chuckle or sometimes, it inspires a tear as we remember those who have gone on before us.
Christmas Eve Tradition:
Tradition is not necessarily evil. There are traditions of God in Scripture (2 Thessalonians 2:15). Tradition can become evil when men’s traditions make void the commandments of God (Matthew 15:6). Family traditions, however, can help create a certain rhythm where families are brought back together to celebrate the important things of life, such as, faith, family, friends, and fellowship.
In that regard, the Thomas Nation puts far more effort into our Christmas Eve celebration than we do Christmas day. We start with a huge feast of Texas BBQ with all the trimmings. Afterwards, we do our first gift exchange. Each family member gives a gift to an assigned family member, till everyone is blessed on Christmas Eve. Next, we turn off all the lights of the house, except the Christmas tree, and we sing glorious Christmas hymns to worship the Lord.
Afterwards, it is time for our children and grandchildren, if they so desire, to prepare a birthday present for our Savior. It could be a poem, skit, dance or song, but all to the glory of God in the Highest. Next, we shut off all the lights again and light up candles cleverly placed throughout the living room. I have all the children and grandchildren gather around as I read the Biblical narratives that highlight the birth of Christ. From there, we partake of Holy Communion to honor the New Covenant and our Covenant Keeping Lord.
Lastly, we go around the room and encourage our family members to share a little bit of the good, bad, and ugly of the year and what their hopes or goals are for the New Year. We then pray for each other. The next day we open all the presents and have a great Christmas brunch.
The First Fruits of the New Year:
Another godly tradition that I developed through the years was to go away and be alone with the Lord each New Year. It was a time set apart to fast, pray, and diligently seek Him. My desire was to give God the first fruits of the New Year.
As a man, husband, father, grandfather, and minister of the glorious Gospel of the Kingdom, it was crucial to consecrate this time to the Lord. Obtaining the mind of Christ, the wisdom that comes from above, and guidance of God’s Word and Holy Spirit was paramount to love, serve, and obey God in the New Year.
Operation Rescue/Operation Save America Leadership Meeting:
As Assistant Director and eventually National Director of OR/OSA, we purposely scheduled our annual Leadership Meeting at the beginning of the New Year as well. Some of the same goals as I mentioned for my time alone with the Lord was duplicated at the OSA Leadership Meeting.
It was a time set apart to remind all leaders and laborers who we were in Christ and what our ministry is called to be and do in our service to Christ and His Kingdom. It was a time of great fellowship as we sought the Lord together. It was there and then we discussed future plans. The godly goal was to cast vision, mission, and purpose for the coming year. Always keeping in mind, we make our plans, but it is God who directs our steps (Proverbs 16:9).
I pray this blog post edifies you in some way. Perhaps, there are some traditions and practices from our family and ministry that you could adopt to bless you and yours. Bottom line to remember, however, is this incredible passage of Scripture, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and have a blessed New Year in God’s Kingdom.
IN KING JESUS’ SERVICE,
Rusty Thomas
