LaMar shares some of the traditions and superstitions that people around the world have about the New Year.
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TRANSCRIPT:
HOW DO YOU BRING IN THE NEW YEAR? Superstitions or Promises: Do you believe in superstitious traditions or God's promises?
People worldwide have a wide variety of ideas on how to begin the new year, most of which are traditions rooted in superstitions.
One superstition, originating in Spain, suggests eating precisely 12 grapes - no more, no less - one for each month of the year, believed to bring good luck.
Another tradition advises stocking up on groceries to avoid starting the new year with bare cupboards, which is considered bad luck, symbolizing hardship and poverty.
In the Philippines, it is encouraged to open doors and windows to let out negative energy, believed to invite better fortune in the new year.
Some propose avoiding cleaning the house, dishes, or laundry to prevent sweeping or washing away potential good luck.
Others advise not to leave the house until someone from outside enters, as the first person to do so supposedly influences the luck you'll have in the new year. (In Scotland, this person must also bring a gift)
In China, shooting off fireworks at midnight is believed to scare away evil spirits, though the efficacy of this practice is questionable, our experience with constant spiritual warfare.
An Irish superstition is that hitting bread on your doors and walls can fend off evil spirits and bad luck. Just keep a broom on hand for any crumbs.
In the US, there is a caution against eating chicken or lobster on New Year's Eve, as chickens have wings and might carry away your luck, while lobsters move backward, potentially setting the new year up for setbacks.
Southerners in the US will probably be familiar with eating black-eyed peas and collard greens on the first day of the new year which is supposed to bring good luck and prosperity.
Despite the prevalence of these traditions, they are ultimately superstitions, defined by Merriam-Webster as "a belief or practice resulting from trust in magic or chance," resulting in a reliance on luck.
As children of God, we can find comfort in knowing that we don't have to depend on luck or follow specific rituals out of fear for what might happen in the new year. As children of the Creator of heaven and earth, our future is in His hands, and He has purposefully and perfectly designed our destiny including the new year.
God's Word promises us a brighter future: Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV): "For I know the plans … for your welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope (in the new year)." God looks after our welfare and protects us from misfortune.
Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV) encourages us to forget last year: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!" God is continuously working and creating new opportunities and circumstances for us to enjoy going forward.
Even in challenging situations, Romans 8:28 (NIV) assures us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
There's no need to worry about the new year. We don't need any hocus-pocus to ensure a prosperous year. Simply, as Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) advises, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Under the care of our loving Heavenly Father, if we "Take delight in the Lord, he will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4, NIV). God is our source for a bright new year.
Moreover, the Bible assures us that His goodness and love will follow us all the days of our lives (Psalm 23:6, NIV), including the new year.
As we step into the new year, let Romans 15:13 (NIV) be our guide: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" in the new year.
Kimberly and I pray you have a blessed and prosperous New Year.
