In the beginning, God created all that is. For six days He crafted the heavens, the earth and all that is in them. On the sixth day God created humanity and then on the seventh day, He rested, and while the initial creation was complete the story was far from over. There would be sin, brokenness and pain, yet the creating, restoring power of God would continue to work in the lives of people drawing them back to their original design – men and women created in the very image of God.

Those first seven days were so significant that they shaped the lives of people throughout history. The nation of Israel, followed the commands of God and made the seven day cycle a rhythm of life for the whole nation, working for six days and resting on the seventh. But the influence did not stop there, even though the various cultures of our modern day world have different calendars, almost all of them live by a seven day week. They were seven important days.

As significant as those first days were, there is one that was greater still – the eighth day. It was the day when God restored humanity and creation to its original design. God sent His Son Jesus into the world to show us who God is, and through His death and resurrection gave us new life. It was a new day. It was the Lord’s Day. It was the first day of a new beginning. As the Scripture tells us, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, all things have become new.”

We are so blessed to be living in this new day. No longer must we be separated from God. No longer must we be victims of sin. Instead, we may live in the victory that only comes from Jesus Christ. He is the eighth day, the new beginning of creation.

As we enter into the beginning of this New Year, it is important to remember the power of new beginnings in Christ. Our lives are changed and God wants us to live in the power and freedom purchased for us by our Savior. We can know the victory of Jesus in our lives, our families, our work, and in every facet of who we are. Whatever we are facing, the King of kings and Lord of lords is ruler over it all. We belong to Him. It is His day, and we are living, truly living, in it.

Even more amazing is the truth that God did not just make the day new for us in Christ, but for everyone. He calls us to take the joy of our life in Him and the power of His transforming Spirit within us into all the world so that others may know His love and redemption. He gives us the opportunity to join with Him in leading others into the wonder and life-changing power of this new, eighth day.

May your new year be filled with all the fullness of Christ, and may others come to know the saving power of our Lord through your life and testimony, and the witness of our life together. Blessings and excitement to all as we begin this new stage in our journey. Happy Eighth Day!