Something New
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.
Throughout the years, this slogan has been a bridal tradition for many brides. Something old signifies something from the past. It’s a reminder of their upbringing. Sometimes a bride is given something from her mother or grandmother like a necklace, locket or handkerchief sewn into the lining of her gown. Something borrowed served two purposes: reflection of their loved ones and admiration of the person it was borrowed from. Something blue symbolizes the couple’s fidelity. In the Bible, blue was worn to represent faithfulness and the setting apart. The word, blue, appears in the scripture approximately fifty times. The number 50 means “new beginnings”. Last, but not least, something new symbolizes union. You and your fiancé are about to embark upon something new.
Christmas is a time of something new. It’s the time of the year for warm parties, food, traditions and gifts to share. Christmas can be misconstrued. Some only sees it as a time of giving. However, Christmas is more than giving and receiving presents. Christmas is a time of new birth. It’s a time of the year where we rejoice in the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV), “For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
It’s a reminder of how many, in the Bible, waited for the coming of Christ; longing for the King to arrive and free them from oppression. Each year, on December 25th, we celebrate and evoke the birth of the King of Kings. When Jesus ascended into heaven, He left us the greatest gift of all – salvation. He was the perfect sacrificial lamb for the atonement of our sins. He paid the price at Calvary so that we can remember and give our gifts to others. When we come into a relationship with the Father, 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
Thank God for something new. A child was born and sacrificed His life to give us something new. As Merriam-Webster says, “It’s something that hasn’t been seen, used or known for a short time. It’s something other than the former. It’s having been in a relationship or condition but a short time.” Something new. As we give our gifts at Christmas, let us remember the new. Think of how Jesus sacrificed His life to give us an opportunity to rest in the new.
Thank God for the giving and receiving of gifts. But the greatest gift that has ever been given is the gift of salvation and love. The same love that we can offer unto others. This love that God gave us through His Son, Jesus. James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Jesus, the greatest gift of all, was born by the virgin Mary, who was pledged to marry Joseph. Because Joseph, her husband, was faithful to the law, and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he wanted to do away with her. But an angel appeared and told him not to be afraid, Mary was pregnant by way of the Holy Spirit. Mary gave birth and called her son, Jesus. Something new has given us the opportunity to embark upon a marriage, a sacred covenant and bond with our Father, who is forever faithful. Cherish the grace of God with something new this Christmas.
Dr. Kimberly Ferebee
Seeking the Face of God Ministries
