When we think of New Year’s, most of us picture January 1st—confetti, countdowns, and resolutions. But did you know that in God’s calendar, the new year actually begins in the Fall? This may sound unusual, but it’s deeply rooted in Scripture.
God’s New Year and the Fall Feasts
In Leviticus 23, God commanded Moses and the Israelites to celebrate His appointed times, known as the Feasts of the Lord. These weren’t just cultural traditions—they were divine appointments set by God Himself to remind His people of His covenant and His plan for redemption.
The Fall Feasts begin with Rosh Hashanah. The Hebrew word “Rosh” means “head” or “beginning,” and “Hashanah” means “year.” Together, Rosh Hashanah marks the head of the year, often called the Feast of Trumpets. During this feast, the shofar (ram’s horn) is blown, calling God’s people to awaken spiritually and prepare their hearts for what’s ahead.
This is why Rosh Hashanah is considered God’s New Year. It’s a time to look back with gratitude, repent where needed, and look forward with expectation of God’s blessing and direction.
Why Did God Command the Feasts?
When God gave these instructions, the Israelites were in the wilderness—learning how to walk with Him, depend on Him, and trust His timing. The Feasts were reminders that their lives were not their own; they belonged to the Lord.
Just like Israel, we are often in seasons of transition, waiting, or preparation. The Fall Feasts remind us to pause, reflect, and realign our hearts with God’s will. They point us to Jesus, who fulfills every feast and is the reason we have hope for the year ahead.
What to Expect from God’s New Year
As we enter into God’s New Year, we can expect:
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A fresh start – God gives us the opportunity to repent and begin again.
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Renewed closeness with Him – These High Holy Days invite us to seek God more deeply.
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Fresh anointing – When we humble ourselves, God pours out His Spirit in new ways.
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Alignment with His timing – God’s calendar helps us see that His ways are higher than ours.
How Should We Celebrate?
The High Holy Days are not about parties and fireworks, but about reflection and repentance. It’s a season to:
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Spend intentional time in prayer and fasting.
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Reflect on where we’ve been and ask God where He wants to take us.
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Forgive others and release anything weighing us down.
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Listen for the trumpet call of God in our own hearts—His invitation to draw near.
This is more than tradition—it’s an invitation to experience God in a new and powerful way.
Take God Out of the Box
God’s New Year reminds us that He doesn’t fit neatly into our man-made calendars or expectations. His ways are higher, His timing is perfect, and His desire is for us to walk closely with Him.
As we step into this holy season, let’s take God out of the box. Let’s seek Him, know His ways, and expect a new experience with His presence and a fresh anointing for the days ahead.
A Prayer for God’s New Year
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for bringing us into Your appointed time and for the gift of a new year in Your calendar. We humble ourselves before You in repentance and gratitude. Cleanse our hearts, renew our minds, and align our steps with Your will.
Blow Your trumpet in our lives, Lord, so that we may awaken to Your voice and Your call. Anoint us afresh with Your Spirit, and let this season mark a deeper walk with You. May we reflect Your glory in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Join Us to Celebrate Rosh Hashanah
We invite you to celebrate God’s New Year with us! Let’s gather to worship, reflect, and hear the trumpet sound together as we step into this holy season. Whether you’re new to the Fall Feasts or have celebrated them before, come with an open heart and expectation.
This is a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal. Let’s honor God’s appointed time and start His year with Him at the center.
