NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS ARE OF PAGAN ORIGIN
INTRODUCTION
As the world ushers in the New Year with noise, greetings of Happy New Year, and celebrations, believers must pause and ask a serious question: Where did these celebrations come from, and do they align with Scripture? This post clearly shows that New Year celebrations are rooted in paganism and explains why the saints are called to separate themselves from such practices.
1. ORIGIN OF NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS
New Year celebrations trace their origin to ancient Rome. They were held in honour of Janus, a Roman god of new beginnings, transitions, doors, and gates. Janus was depicted with two faces, one looking backward and the other forward, symbolizing endings and beginnings. The month of January is named after him, firmly linking the New Year to idol worship.
2. IDOL WORSHIP AND THE NEW JERUSALEM
Scripture warns that idolaters will not inherit the New Jerusalem (Revelation 22:15). Participation in celebrations rooted in false worship places one outside the will of the Almighty Heavenly Father. Brethren are therefore called to shun all forms of idolatry.
3. FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY: CHANGING TIMES AND LAWS
The New Year celebration reflects the fulfillment of Daniel 7:25, where the beast power is said to change times and laws. The global calendar and its observances stand as evidence, and Scripture affirms that the whole world followed after it (Revelation 13:3-4).
4. BIBLICAL TIME VS WORLDLY TIME
According to Scripture, a day begins at sunset. However, the world marks the New Year at midnight. This clear contradiction shows how human tradition has replaced Biblical instruction (Genesis 1:5).
5. THE TRUE BIBLICAL NEW YEAR
The Biblical New Year begins in the month of Abib, also called Nisan, which falls around March or April. This is clearly established in Scripture (Esther 3:7; Exodus 12:1–2; Deuteronomy 16:1–2). Any other New Year is a human institution, not a command from the Almighty Heavenly Father.
6. WORLDWIDE ACCEPTANCE AND NORMALIZATION
New Year celebrations have been normalized across the globe. Greetings such as “Happy New Year” are universal, and social media platforms overflow with New Year messages, revealing how deeply entrenched this pagan tradition has become.
7. THE WORLD FOLLOWING THE DRAGON
Scripture identifies the dragon as the devil (Revelation 12:9; 20:1–2) and declares that the whole world follows and marvels after him (Revelation 13:3–4). Universal participation in pagan observances aligns perfectly with this prophetic reality.
8. THE CALL TO COME OUT AND BE SEPARATE
Believers are commanded to avoid all pagan holidays, which are an abomination before the Almighty Heavenly Father. The clarion call remains: “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins” (Revelation 18:4–5).
CONCLUSION
The New Year celebration is not harmless entertainment; it is ancient pagan worship repackaged for the modern world. Those who seek the New Jerusalem must choose obedience over popularity and truth over tradition. Let us walk in the light of Scripture, reject deception, and worship the Almighty Heavenly Father in spirit and in truth.
Shalom.
By Bro Mutonga
babakevi@gmail.com
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Permission granted to freely share it widely in whatever form for free (Matthew 10:8; Revelation 22:17).