I woke up this morning and decided to check out the lectionary before work. It turns out that the passage for 1 Jan is from my favorite Hebrew Scripture book, Ecclesiastes. Yes, my favorite book is the one that declares, “Utterly meaningless, says the Teacher. All things are meaningless.” (And, in this case, I actually like the NIV translation the best.)
We are about the complete the first decade of the new millennium. It seems strange when I think about it that way, but it’s true. As we get ready to enter the second, the words of the Teacher can help us to orient ourselves. I’m going to edit to ease reading.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:…
a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away…
What gain have the workers from their toil?…
I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live;
moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil.
As we get ready to celebrate the turning of the new year, embrace your destiny, fulfill your purpose, hearken to the divine call: eat, drink, and be merry. And while doing so, be responsible, don’t hurt others, and be safe.