Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2024)
Illustration
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
This is a lesson about the meaninglessness of life in our sinful state. About this text Martin Luther once observed:
All human works and efforts have a certain definite time of acting, of beginning, and of ending beyond human control. Thus, this is spoken in opposition to free will. It is not up to us to prescribe the time, the manner, or the effect of the things that are done; and so, it is obvious that here our strivings and efforts are unreliable. (Luther’s Works, Vol.15, p.49)
This sort of meaninglessness in life is well described by Luther’s theological heir Søren Kierkegaard, usually recognized as a father of Existentialism. The great Danish thinker once wrote:
Of all the ridiculous things, it seems to me the most ridiculous is to be a busy man of affairs, prompt to meals, and prompt to work... And who could not help laughing? What do they accomplish, these hustlers? (Either/Or, Vol.1, p.24)
But in accord with the lesson, the hope of the New Year, and the celebration of Jesus’ name (our Savior), Martin Luther offered a word of hope:
... God not only gives the world into the hand of men, so that they can use the things that are present, but also into their heart, so that they can use them joyfully and with pleasure and so that they have fun and delight from it. (Luther’s Works, Vol.15, p.53)
Life can be fun (with God).
Mark E.
* * *
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
This passage reminds us that over the course of our lifetimes we will experience most if not all of the events listed in these famous verses. Our lives are bounded by the first pairing – birth and death. According to the JPS Bible Commentary on this book (Jewish Publication Society, 2004), it is possible to interpret these words to mean there is nothing we can do about the day of our death, because it is set in stone. However, two of the ancient rabbis are quoted with the suggestion that we can alter that date. Rabbi Akiva suggested that though we are born with an assigned day of death. Only those who are righteous will fulfill that date. The unrighteous will die sooner. Another rabbi suggested that righteous living could actually extend that date and pointed to the story of Hezekiah’s prayer in 2 Kings 20:6 as an example of how God might assign more years to a person.
Most of us would agree that taking better care of ourselves, not only with regards to diet and exercise, but also to getting more rest, stressing less, and being good to ourselves and to others, probably makes us healthier and live longer, but as this reading reminds us, God “…has put a sense of past and future into (our) minds….” We are aware of time passing, and we will not live forever. As we begin a new year, let this serve as motivation to live life more fully for our God, our family and friends, and ourselves, making every day count.
Frank R.
* * *
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
One of the most important, and often overlooked, aspects of football is the ability to manage the clock or time. Some of the best coaches in the history of the NFL have been labelled “poor clock managers,” notable among them is Andy Reid of the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs. One of the most egregious examples of poor clock management came in the 2022 Wildcard Round of the NFL Playoffs. The Dallas Cowboys were at home against the San Francisco 49ers. The Cowboys struggled throughout the game and trailed 23-7 in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys though pulled it together and brought the score up to 23-17 with not much time left. That’s when the clock management issues rose up. The Cowboys got the ball at their own 20-yard line with 32 seconds left and no timeouts remaining, then subsequently drove to San Francisco's 41-yard line with 14 seconds remaining. Surprisingly, the Cowboys ran a quarterback draw, with Dak Prescott scampering up the middle to the 49ers's 24-yard line. As the clock continued to tick down, Dallas hurried to get set up to spike the ball. After sliding to end his run, Prescott got up and handed the ball to his center, who got ready to snap it. However, the NFL rules require the official to touch the ball before it is snapped. When coming in to do that, the official collided with Prescott and time ticked off the clock before he could get the ball ready. The Cowboys could not get a final play off before time expired.
Fans and the media blasted the Cowboys for mishandling the time. Time mismanagement happens in football. It should not happen for the people of God, though. In the first part of Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon writes about who controls the time and seasons. Verses 1-8 note there is a time for everything. Verses 9-13 indicate that the one who controls time is God. He’s one person who will not make a mistake with the clock.
Bill T.
* * *
Revelation 21:1-6a
The new year dawns and with it the beginning of the Presidential election year. These are difficult times for Americans. Not only are we still skittish about the economy and the world situation (what with war in Ukraine and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict), but there is not much peace on the home front. Analysts speak of the factionalism that plagues our politics and social life. We are not inclined to be civil to each other, but to demonize our opponents. We need a fresh start. God promises such a fresh start in our lesson — and we certainly need that.
We all know something of the sense of a fresh start New Year brings. But in the Black community and the Black church, January 1 especially directs attention to political fresh starts. New Year’s Eve is termed “Watch Night.” For it was on January 1, 1863, that the Emancipation Proclamation (the end of slavery took effect). It was and has been a new day for our African-American brothers and sisters! A number of Black churches worship New Year’s Eve around this theme. The leader of Abolition, Frederick Douglas, well summarized what the night and January 1 mean:
It is a day for poetry and song, a new song. These cloudless skies, this balmy air, this brilliant sunshine . . . are in harmony with the glorious morning of liberty about to dawn up on us.
We really are in harmony, and it is time to do something about making it happen politically, to declare our own emancipation from all the factionalism that divides us. After all, God has promised us a fresh start. He is wiping all the tears from our eyes; the tears caused by our divisions no longer matter. Evangelical pastor Scott Hubbard put it this way:
Sometimes, we cry because life’s sorrows have become chronic, filling our life like unwelcome houseguests who just won’t leave. Other times, we cry because some unexpected misery lands like a meteor and carves a crater in our soul. And still other times, we cry and don’t know quite why; the grief evades description and analysis.
To such mourners, the Bible’s message is not to dry up your tears. No, the Bible says weeping is typical of life in the valley, and its message to mourners is much more sympathetic — and much more steadying.
Why keep on hurting each other when science teaches us that long-standing views scientifically complement each other (Werner Heisenberg called this the Principle of Complementarity) and since the Bible says that God will take away all our tears (v.4)?
Mark E.
* * *
Revelation 21:1-6a
The home of God is among we mortals. What a concept. God has come down to be with us, to live among us. John’s vision in Revelation speaks of a new heaven and a new earth, the culmination of God’s promise to hold us mortals in God’s loving embrace. In some ways this eschatological concept is lost on us – and yet, in the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the babe come to live among us, incarnate of God, God’s living among us has already been fulfilled. Anyone who looks with love into the face of a newborn infant knows the joy, the hope, and the love engendered in this birth, this coming to be among us. How much greater can our joy be, knowing this baby is the one who will be seated on the throne for all time.
Bonnie B.
* * *
Matthew 25:31-46
I came across this story and, while I cannot vouch for its authenticity, I thought it had a good point. Once when Calvin Coolidge was Vice President and presiding over the Senate, two senators got into a fight. Tempers flared, and one senator told the other to go straight to hell. The offended senator stormed from his seat, marched down the aisle and stood before Mr. Coolidge, who was silently leafing through a book. “Mr. President,” he said, “did you hear what he said to me?” Coolidge looked up from his book and said calmly, “You know, I have been looking through the rule book. You don’t have to go.”
I can’t help but laugh at that story, whether it is legitimate or not. There will come a judgment day, however, when people will be divided as a shepherd divides the sheep from the goats (vs. 32). The two destinations will be the kingdom (vs. 34) or eternal fire (vs. 41). Jesus will separate those who, by their actions, show they know him from those who don’t. People will have to go wherever Jesus send them. On that day will you be found on the right or on the left? That makes all the difference.
Bill T.
* * *
Matthew 25:31-46
I like the progression of three images in this passage that clarify just who it is who is judging the world.
Jesus begins with the phrase “When the Son of Man comes in his glory….” The image comes from Ezekiel and Daniel. In Ezekiel, the prophet is addressed as Son of Man. The term appears ninety-three times. In Hebrew this is ben-adam which could mean Son of Adam, a way of saying this one is a human being. It’s a reminder Adam was taken from the earth and the word adam means earth, soil, dirt. We come from the dust and to dust we shall return. We are reminded to be humble.
In Daniel, however, we see that son of the dirt standing by the throne next to the Ancient of Days. God has elevated the person bearing this humble title to unimaginable heights. Now, according to Jesus, he is actually sitting on the throne.
In the next verse, we’re told this reigning son of adam is acting “as a shepherd” in separating the nations one from another. The kings of Israel and Judah were meant to rule as shepherds, concerned for the projection, care, and welfare of the sheep and goats and other creatures in their care. By the way, as a pastor whose young people who are 4-Hers may be caring for sheep or goats or cows or pigs, I think it’s worth noting that this shepherd is separating nations like a shepherd separates sheep or goats. There’s no suggestion that sheep are better than goats or cows or other creatures, and though Peter might have had qualms in Acts 10 about the pigs and other creatures who appeared in his dream in Acts 10, he also learned that even the people who are represented by the unclean animals are worthy to receive the Holy Spirit and be baptized.
Finally, the one who reigns, son of earth and shepherd, is finally identified as king. I think of Philippians 2, where we learn that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow. It’s not happening yet, but the time will come when everyone recognizes Jesus as Lord.
And that’s when things get even more surprising. It’s not clear if the ones who enter into God’s rest were among those who identified with the earthly shepherd king in life. Regardless, they are among those fulfilling God’s audacious plan of turning the world upside and caring for the marginalized, suffering people, are identified as the ones who will inherit the kingdom.
Frank R.
* * *
Matthew 25:31-46
In this gospel passage, Jesus recounts the judgement waiting for each of us, not a judgement on our personhood, but a judgement on our actions. Have we fed the hungry, given water to the thirsty, or clothed the naked? Have we visited the sick or those in prison? Have we opened our hearts and our lives to the needs of others in our midst?
This Matthew 25 Christian is the kind of Christian I strive to be – the one who loves, who cares, who provides, who seeks justice for others through prayer and through action. It is not enough to sit and pray. We must step out in our faith to care for those we might call “other” and nurture them with the same love, the same divine love with which we are nurtured. Oh, that each of the billions of Jesus-followers in the world would do so. There would be no more hunger, no more thirst, no more loneliness, and no more despair, for God’s love would shine in and among us all. That is a new year hope worth enacting.
Bonnie B.
This is a lesson about the meaninglessness of life in our sinful state. About this text Martin Luther once observed:
All human works and efforts have a certain definite time of acting, of beginning, and of ending beyond human control. Thus, this is spoken in opposition to free will. It is not up to us to prescribe the time, the manner, or the effect of the things that are done; and so, it is obvious that here our strivings and efforts are unreliable. (Luther’s Works, Vol.15, p.49)
This sort of meaninglessness in life is well described by Luther’s theological heir Søren Kierkegaard, usually recognized as a father of Existentialism. The great Danish thinker once wrote:
Of all the ridiculous things, it seems to me the most ridiculous is to be a busy man of affairs, prompt to meals, and prompt to work... And who could not help laughing? What do they accomplish, these hustlers? (Either/Or, Vol.1, p.24)
But in accord with the lesson, the hope of the New Year, and the celebration of Jesus’ name (our Savior), Martin Luther offered a word of hope:
... God not only gives the world into the hand of men, so that they can use the things that are present, but also into their heart, so that they can use them joyfully and with pleasure and so that they have fun and delight from it. (Luther’s Works, Vol.15, p.53)
Life can be fun (with God).
Mark E.
* * *
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
This passage reminds us that over the course of our lifetimes we will experience most if not all of the events listed in these famous verses. Our lives are bounded by the first pairing – birth and death. According to the JPS Bible Commentary on this book (Jewish Publication Society, 2004), it is possible to interpret these words to mean there is nothing we can do about the day of our death, because it is set in stone. However, two of the ancient rabbis are quoted with the suggestion that we can alter that date. Rabbi Akiva suggested that though we are born with an assigned day of death. Only those who are righteous will fulfill that date. The unrighteous will die sooner. Another rabbi suggested that righteous living could actually extend that date and pointed to the story of Hezekiah’s prayer in 2 Kings 20:6 as an example of how God might assign more years to a person.
Most of us would agree that taking better care of ourselves, not only with regards to diet and exercise, but also to getting more rest, stressing less, and being good to ourselves and to others, probably makes us healthier and live longer, but as this reading reminds us, God “…has put a sense of past and future into (our) minds….” We are aware of time passing, and we will not live forever. As we begin a new year, let this serve as motivation to live life more fully for our God, our family and friends, and ourselves, making every day count.
Frank R.
* * *
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
One of the most important, and often overlooked, aspects of football is the ability to manage the clock or time. Some of the best coaches in the history of the NFL have been labelled “poor clock managers,” notable among them is Andy Reid of the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs. One of the most egregious examples of poor clock management came in the 2022 Wildcard Round of the NFL Playoffs. The Dallas Cowboys were at home against the San Francisco 49ers. The Cowboys struggled throughout the game and trailed 23-7 in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys though pulled it together and brought the score up to 23-17 with not much time left. That’s when the clock management issues rose up. The Cowboys got the ball at their own 20-yard line with 32 seconds left and no timeouts remaining, then subsequently drove to San Francisco's 41-yard line with 14 seconds remaining. Surprisingly, the Cowboys ran a quarterback draw, with Dak Prescott scampering up the middle to the 49ers's 24-yard line. As the clock continued to tick down, Dallas hurried to get set up to spike the ball. After sliding to end his run, Prescott got up and handed the ball to his center, who got ready to snap it. However, the NFL rules require the official to touch the ball before it is snapped. When coming in to do that, the official collided with Prescott and time ticked off the clock before he could get the ball ready. The Cowboys could not get a final play off before time expired.
Fans and the media blasted the Cowboys for mishandling the time. Time mismanagement happens in football. It should not happen for the people of God, though. In the first part of Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon writes about who controls the time and seasons. Verses 1-8 note there is a time for everything. Verses 9-13 indicate that the one who controls time is God. He’s one person who will not make a mistake with the clock.
Bill T.
* * *
Revelation 21:1-6a
The new year dawns and with it the beginning of the Presidential election year. These are difficult times for Americans. Not only are we still skittish about the economy and the world situation (what with war in Ukraine and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict), but there is not much peace on the home front. Analysts speak of the factionalism that plagues our politics and social life. We are not inclined to be civil to each other, but to demonize our opponents. We need a fresh start. God promises such a fresh start in our lesson — and we certainly need that.
We all know something of the sense of a fresh start New Year brings. But in the Black community and the Black church, January 1 especially directs attention to political fresh starts. New Year’s Eve is termed “Watch Night.” For it was on January 1, 1863, that the Emancipation Proclamation (the end of slavery took effect). It was and has been a new day for our African-American brothers and sisters! A number of Black churches worship New Year’s Eve around this theme. The leader of Abolition, Frederick Douglas, well summarized what the night and January 1 mean:
It is a day for poetry and song, a new song. These cloudless skies, this balmy air, this brilliant sunshine . . . are in harmony with the glorious morning of liberty about to dawn up on us.
We really are in harmony, and it is time to do something about making it happen politically, to declare our own emancipation from all the factionalism that divides us. After all, God has promised us a fresh start. He is wiping all the tears from our eyes; the tears caused by our divisions no longer matter. Evangelical pastor Scott Hubbard put it this way:
Sometimes, we cry because life’s sorrows have become chronic, filling our life like unwelcome houseguests who just won’t leave. Other times, we cry because some unexpected misery lands like a meteor and carves a crater in our soul. And still other times, we cry and don’t know quite why; the grief evades description and analysis.
To such mourners, the Bible’s message is not to dry up your tears. No, the Bible says weeping is typical of life in the valley, and its message to mourners is much more sympathetic — and much more steadying.
Why keep on hurting each other when science teaches us that long-standing views scientifically complement each other (Werner Heisenberg called this the Principle of Complementarity) and since the Bible says that God will take away all our tears (v.4)?
Mark E.
* * *
Revelation 21:1-6a
The home of God is among we mortals. What a concept. God has come down to be with us, to live among us. John’s vision in Revelation speaks of a new heaven and a new earth, the culmination of God’s promise to hold us mortals in God’s loving embrace. In some ways this eschatological concept is lost on us – and yet, in the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the babe come to live among us, incarnate of God, God’s living among us has already been fulfilled. Anyone who looks with love into the face of a newborn infant knows the joy, the hope, and the love engendered in this birth, this coming to be among us. How much greater can our joy be, knowing this baby is the one who will be seated on the throne for all time.
Bonnie B.
* * *
Matthew 25:31-46
I came across this story and, while I cannot vouch for its authenticity, I thought it had a good point. Once when Calvin Coolidge was Vice President and presiding over the Senate, two senators got into a fight. Tempers flared, and one senator told the other to go straight to hell. The offended senator stormed from his seat, marched down the aisle and stood before Mr. Coolidge, who was silently leafing through a book. “Mr. President,” he said, “did you hear what he said to me?” Coolidge looked up from his book and said calmly, “You know, I have been looking through the rule book. You don’t have to go.”
I can’t help but laugh at that story, whether it is legitimate or not. There will come a judgment day, however, when people will be divided as a shepherd divides the sheep from the goats (vs. 32). The two destinations will be the kingdom (vs. 34) or eternal fire (vs. 41). Jesus will separate those who, by their actions, show they know him from those who don’t. People will have to go wherever Jesus send them. On that day will you be found on the right or on the left? That makes all the difference.
Bill T.
* * *
Matthew 25:31-46
I like the progression of three images in this passage that clarify just who it is who is judging the world.
Jesus begins with the phrase “When the Son of Man comes in his glory….” The image comes from Ezekiel and Daniel. In Ezekiel, the prophet is addressed as Son of Man. The term appears ninety-three times. In Hebrew this is ben-adam which could mean Son of Adam, a way of saying this one is a human being. It’s a reminder Adam was taken from the earth and the word adam means earth, soil, dirt. We come from the dust and to dust we shall return. We are reminded to be humble.
In Daniel, however, we see that son of the dirt standing by the throne next to the Ancient of Days. God has elevated the person bearing this humble title to unimaginable heights. Now, according to Jesus, he is actually sitting on the throne.
In the next verse, we’re told this reigning son of adam is acting “as a shepherd” in separating the nations one from another. The kings of Israel and Judah were meant to rule as shepherds, concerned for the projection, care, and welfare of the sheep and goats and other creatures in their care. By the way, as a pastor whose young people who are 4-Hers may be caring for sheep or goats or cows or pigs, I think it’s worth noting that this shepherd is separating nations like a shepherd separates sheep or goats. There’s no suggestion that sheep are better than goats or cows or other creatures, and though Peter might have had qualms in Acts 10 about the pigs and other creatures who appeared in his dream in Acts 10, he also learned that even the people who are represented by the unclean animals are worthy to receive the Holy Spirit and be baptized.
Finally, the one who reigns, son of earth and shepherd, is finally identified as king. I think of Philippians 2, where we learn that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow. It’s not happening yet, but the time will come when everyone recognizes Jesus as Lord.
And that’s when things get even more surprising. It’s not clear if the ones who enter into God’s rest were among those who identified with the earthly shepherd king in life. Regardless, they are among those fulfilling God’s audacious plan of turning the world upside and caring for the marginalized, suffering people, are identified as the ones who will inherit the kingdom.
Frank R.
* * *
Matthew 25:31-46
In this gospel passage, Jesus recounts the judgement waiting for each of us, not a judgement on our personhood, but a judgement on our actions. Have we fed the hungry, given water to the thirsty, or clothed the naked? Have we visited the sick or those in prison? Have we opened our hearts and our lives to the needs of others in our midst?
This Matthew 25 Christian is the kind of Christian I strive to be – the one who loves, who cares, who provides, who seeks justice for others through prayer and through action. It is not enough to sit and pray. We must step out in our faith to care for those we might call “other” and nurture them with the same love, the same divine love with which we are nurtured. Oh, that each of the billions of Jesus-followers in the world would do so. There would be no more hunger, no more thirst, no more loneliness, and no more despair, for God’s love would shine in and among us all. That is a new year hope worth enacting.
Bonnie B.
