The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Monday, January 1, 2024—New Year's Day

 

The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Monday, January 1, 2024
New Year's Day

A Time for Everything: Embracing New Beginnings and Eternal Promises

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13; Psalm 8; Revelation 21:1-6a;

Matthew 25:31-46
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)

Introduction

As we step into the New Year, our hearts and minds turn to the timeless wisdom and divine promises found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Psalm 8, Revelation 21:1-6a, and Matthew 25:31-46. These passages resonate with the themes of time, purpose, stewardship, and the eternal kingdom. Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 reminds us that there is a time for every activity under heaven, encouraging us to embrace the seasons of life with faith and understanding. Psalm 8 marvels at the majesty of God and our unique place in His creation, prompting us to reflect on our responsibility towards the world we inhabit. Revelation 21:1-6a offers a glorious vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where God's presence brings ultimate renewal and joy. Finally, Matthew 25:31-46 challenges us to live out our faith through acts of compassion and service, as we anticipate the coming of Christ's kingdom. Together, these scriptures guide us in starting the New Year with hope, reflection, and a renewed commitment to God's purpose for our lives and the world.

New Year Good News

New Year's Day Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we stand at the threshold of a new year, we pause to reflect and give thanks. Thank you for the blessings and lessons of the past year, and for the promise and potential of the year to come.

Lord, we ask for Your guidance and wisdom in the days ahead. May we walk in Your light and love, making choices that reflect Your goodness and mercy. Help us to be kind, compassionate, and understanding, to seek peace and pursue it, and to cherish the relationships that enrich our lives.

We pray for strength to face the challenges ahead, for courage to embrace change, and for an unwavering faith in Your plan for our lives. May we be instruments of Your peace and love in a world in need of hope.

Bless our families, our communities, and our world. May this new year bring healing, unity, and progress. And may we always remember that every day is a gift from You, to be lived with purpose and gratitude.

In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Embracing Seasons of Change

As the calendar turns to another year, it presents us with a profound opportunity to reflect on the passage of time and the seasons of life. Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, a timeless scripture that offers deep wisdom on this theme. This scripture beautifully articulates the inevitable ebb and flow of life's experiences and the divine purpose behind each season. As we step into the New Year, let us delve into these verses to find guidance, hope, and understanding for the journey ahead.

3 1  There is a time for everything,
        and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2        a time to be born and a time to die,
        a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3        a time to kill and a time to heal,
        a time to tear down and a time to build,
4        a time to weep and a time to laugh,
        a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5        a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
        a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6        a time to search and a time to give up,
        a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7        a time to tear and a time to mend,
        a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8        a time to love and a time to hate,
        a time for war and a time for peace.

9 What do workers gain from their toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.

Commentary

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 speaks to the heart of human experience, reminding us that there is "a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." This passage, often quoted for its poetic grace and profound truth, resonates especially as we embrace the New Year.

1. A Time for Everything: These verses begin by acknowledging the diverse seasons in life—times of birth and death, planting and uprooting, weeping and laughing. As we enter the New Year, it's a reminder to embrace each moment, whether joyous or challenging, as a part of a greater divine tapestry.

2. The Beauty in God's Timing: Verses 11-12 highlight that God has made everything beautiful in its time. As we reflect on the past year and look forward to the next, we are encouraged to trust in God's perfect timing, even when it's beyond our understanding.

3. A Call to Enjoyment: Interestingly, this scripture doesn't just acknowledge life's seasons; it also invites us to find joy and do good during our time on earth. As we make New Year's resolutions, let us include the intention to enjoy life's simple pleasures and engage in acts of kindness.

4. The Eternal Perspective: Ecclesiastes 3 concludes by reminding us of the eternal aspect of our lives. It suggests that our toils and joys on earth are part of a larger, divine purpose that transcends our understanding. In the hustle and bustle of the New Year, this perspective offers a grounding and comforting reminder of our place in the universe.

In conclusion, as we celebrate New Year's Day and ponder Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, let us embrace the season we are in, trust in God's timing, seek joy in our daily lives, and maintain an eternal perspective. May this reflection guide us into a year filled with purpose, growth, and contentment.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 8
New Beginnings: Embracing the Majesty of God

As we step into the New Year, our hearts turn to Psalm 8, a poetic reflection on the majesty and mercy of God. This psalm, attributed to King David, marvels at the vastness of God's creation and the special place humans hold within it. It's a fitting scripture to contemplate at the beginning of a new year, a time when we look up at the endless possibilities like the 'heavens, the work of God's fingers' and seek our role in the tapestry of life. Let us embrace the year with the same wonder and humility that David expressed, recognizing our smallness in the grand scheme and yet our significance in God's eyes.

1    Lord, our Lord,
        how majestic is your name in all the earth! *

    You have set your glory
        in the heavens.

2    Through the praise of children and infants
            you have established a stronghold against your enemies, *
        To silence the foe and the avenger.

3    When I consider your heavens,
            the work of your fingers, *
    The moon and the stars,
        which you have set in place,

4    What is mankind that you are mindful of them, *
        Human beings that you care for them?

5    You have made them a little lower than the angels *
        And crowned them with glory and honor.

6    You made them rulers over the works of your hands; *
        You put everything under their feet:

7    All flocks and herds, *
        And the animals of the wild,

8    The birds in the sky,
            and the fish in the sea, *
        All that swim the paths of the seas.

9     Lord, our Lord,
        how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Heavenly Father, Lord of all Creation, as we stand on the threshold of this New Year, we lift our eyes to the heavens and marvel at Your handiwork. The moon and stars, set in place by Your command, remind us of Your vastness and our finite nature. Yet, You have crowned us with glory and honor, entrusting us with the care of Your creation.

In this new beginning, grant us the grace to walk in humility and strength. Help us to see the world through Your eyes, recognizing the beauty and responsibility You have placed before us. May we use the time You have given us to reflect Your love, to steward Your creation wisely, and to honor the dignity of all life.

As David sang praises in Psalm 8, let our lives be a song of gratitude and reverence for Your majestic name. May this year be marked by a deeper understanding of our place in Your plan, a plan that spans the ages yet includes each of us intimately.

Be with us today and every day in Jesus Christ, Who taught us to pray:

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”

Revelation 21:1-6a
New Beginnings: Embracing the Promise

As we step into the New Year, it's a time of reflection and hope, a moment to look forward with anticipation to what lies ahead. Revelation 21:1-6a offers us a glimpse into a future filled with transformation and divine fulfillment. This passage, rich in imagery and promise, speaks of a new heaven and a new earth, where the former things have passed away. It's a powerful reminder of God's continual renewal and His eternal presence in our lives. As we ponder these verses, let's embrace the spirit of new beginnings and the assurance of God's unfailing love and faithfulness.

21 1 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

6a He said to me: “It is done.”

Commentary

Verse 1: This verse symbolizes a profound transformation, a complete renewal of the world as we know it. The new heaven and new earth signify God's restorative power, offering hope and a fresh start, much like the New Year.

Verse 2: Here, the imagery of the Holy City as a bride reflects purity, beauty, and a new beginning. It's a depiction of the perfect union between God and His people, a theme that resonates deeply as we enter a new year.

Verse 3a: This verse assures us of God's omnipresence and His desire to be intimately involved in our lives. As we celebrate New Year's Day, we're reminded of God's closeness and His commitment to us.

Verse 3b: This promise of a personal and enduring relationship with God is particularly comforting at the start of a new year. It's an assurance of His guidance and support in the days to come.

Verse 4: As we look forward to the New Year, this verse offers hope for healing and restoration, promising an end to suffering and sorrow.

Verse 5: This declaration from God is a powerful reminder of His ability to renew and transform our lives. It's a fitting message as we embrace the New Year, filled with possibilities and new beginnings.

Verse 6a: As we document our New Year's resolutions and hopes, this directive encourages us to trust in the reliability and truth of God's promises.

As we celebrate New Year's Day, let these verses from Revelation inspire us to look forward with hope, embracing the newness that God brings into our lives and our world.

Matthew 25:31-46
A New Beginning: Embracing Compassion and Justice

As we step into the New Year, it's a time of reflection and renewal. In the spirit of this season, we turn our attention to Matthew 25:31-46, a passage that profoundly speaks to the heart of Christian faith and practice. This scripture vividly depicts the final judgment, where the Son of Man, in His glory, separates people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. This passage is a compelling call to compassionate action, reminding us that how we treat the least among us is a reflection of our relationship with Christ.

25 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Commentary

In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus presents a powerful metaphor that challenges us to reevaluate our actions and attitudes towards others. The passage beautifully intertwines the themes of compassion, justice, and responsibility, emphasizing the intrinsic value of kindness and empathy in our daily lives.

The Call for Compassionate Action: As we embrace the New Year, this passage invites us to consider how we can be agents of change in a world rife with inequality and suffering. It challenges us to see Christ in every person we meet, especially those who are marginalized and in need.

Reflection of Faith in Deeds: The passage underscores that our actions towards others are a direct reflection of our faith. It's a poignant reminder that faith is not just a matter of belief but is profoundly manifested in how we interact with and care for those around us.

Judgment and Responsibility: The imagery of the final judgment serves as a reminder of our responsibility to live justly. It's a call to self-examination, urging us to consider how our actions, or inactions, impact the lives of others and align with our professed values.

Embracing a New Perspective: As we begin the New Year, this scripture encourages us to adopt a new perspective, one that prioritizes love, kindness, and justice. It's an invitation to step into a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Christ—by serving and loving others.

In conclusion, Matthew 25:31-46 serves as a powerful catalyst for introspection and action. As we celebrate the New Year, let us commit to embodying the compassion and justice exemplified in this scripture, transforming our lives and the world around us with the love of Christ.

Let's Go

We have been given the Great Light, which has come into the world. This light of peace and hope, joy and love, shines on us, in us, and through us, to all whom we meet. Go now in peace, and let the light of God’s great love go with you. Amen.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Commentaries are by Kenny Sallee, ThM.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year B. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2024, we will be in Year C. The year which ended at Advent 2023 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Monday, January 1, 2024—New Year's Day
The Harmony of Wisdom, Patience, and Praise
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13; Psalm 8; Revelation 21:1-6a; Matthew 25:31-46
As we step into the New Year, our hearts and minds turn to the timeless wisdom and divine promises found in today's readings. These passages resonate with the themes of time, purpose, stewardship, and the eternal kingdom. Our reading in Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a time for every activity under heaven, encouraging us to embrace the seasons of life with faith and understanding. Psalm 8 marvels at the majesty of God and our unique place in His creation, prompting us to reflect on our responsibility towards the world we inhabit. Our reading in Revelations offers a glorious vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where God's presence brings ultimate renewal and joy. Finally, our reading in Matthew challenges us to live out our faith through acts of compassion and service, as we anticipate the coming of Christ's kingdom. Together, these scriptures guide us in starting the New Year with hope, reflection, and a renewed commitment to God's purpose for our lives and the world.