The Year of The Lord's Favor

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
    and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.  Isaiah 61:1-3

For most of my life, I would hear that the term A.D. meant ‘after death,’ as in after Jesus Christ died, and B.C. meant before Christ.  However after reading and studying for a Bible Study class, I found that first part was entirely wrong.  The term ‘A.D.’ is actually a medieval Latin term meaning “the year of the Lord.’ Thus, the beginning of the New Year is yet another reminder of the birth of our Lord and savior, and while many believe the approximate date is a little off (His birth approximated to be somewhere between 6-4 BC), there is a clear connection anytime the calendar changes.

The New Year brings forward a time where we have a chance to celebrate our own rebirth through Jesus Christ. The 61^st Chapter of Isaiah is simply titled ‘The Year of the Lord’s Favor.’ Its introductory verses point out what the coming of Jesus would mean to us all.  While we often focus on God’s awesome and mighty power, these verses also remind us how infinitely thankful we should be for His love and mercy.  The words are telling us how indeed Jesus Christ would change the world freeing us from sin, comforting mourners, bringing joy and praise, and planting the seeds of righteousness.

Psalm 118:24 states, “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (NKJV) As other look to make resolutions, let us rejoice and be glad as the New Year is a reminder once again that Jesus is the reason for the season.  What thanks will you give God for this soon to be past year?  How will you give glory to God this New Year?  My prayer is that we are used by God to make this indeed a year of the Lord’s favor!  Amen and Happy New Year!