One of the many blessings of serving as missionaries in Ukraine (the Eurasia North Field) was the chance to learn another language. My family studied the Russian language because many people in Ukraine spoke Russian as they were under Soviet rule for many years. Additionally, learning Russian helped us speak to people in more than 15 countries across the field. The Ukrainian and Russian languages are about 40% similar. Interestingly, in some word categories, the two languages are completely different. One example is found in the months of the year.
In Ukrainian, January is січень (SEE chen). The origin of the Ukrainian word for January is found in another Ukrainian word that means “to cut into small pieces.” Linguists believe that the word originated from Ukrainian winters. The Ukrainian snow in January can be sharp. As the snowflakes fall on the face, they can figuratively “cut like a knife.”
The Russian word for January is январь (yan VAR). This Russian word for the first month of the year actually comes from Roman mythology. Yanvar, like the English word for January, is named after Janus, the “god of beginnings and transitions.” Consequently, many people take time in late December and early January evaluating the previous year and making plans for new year’s resolutions. Such resolutions challenge them to “do better” in specific areas of their lives and gives them a new beginning in the new year. Isn’t it just like the enemy to try to highjack the concept of “new beginnings” with Roman mythology?
There is a true God of new beginnings. His name is Jesus! He gives people a chance to start fresh when they repent and put their trust in him alone for salvation. We call this saving grace! We read in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” It is a fresh start like no other!
The Lord’s renewal, however, is not just a one-time new beginning. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (ESV). Jesus gets sweeter every day you follow him!
As you read through this month’s Journey newsletter, you will find articles about “comprehensive Biblical learning,” one of the five core principles of Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI). If we are Jesus’ disciples, the Bible is our authoritative rule for faith and practice. The
Manual of the Church of the Nazarene, when speaking about the Scriptures, states, “Whatever is not contained [in the Word of God] is not to be enjoined as an article of faith.” In other words, every core element of our beliefs as Nazarenes is based in Scripture.
Did you know that if you read 15-20 minutes from the Bible each morning, you will read through the Bible in one year? January is a great month to begin reading through the Bible in a year. Don’t miss an opportunity this year to start new in your Bible reading plan! Through your study of God’s Word, you will encounter Jesus, our “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
