The arrival of a new year often prompts reflection and anticipation for the changes that lie ahead. As individuals prepare to embrace 2024, Rev. Rick Sergi, a seasoned pastor and director for the Evangelical Congregational Church (ECC), offers insights into the dual nature of the year, drawing on personal experience and spiritual teachings. His perspective encourages a deeper understanding of the transitions that shape our lives.
Understanding “Shanah”
Rev. Sergi recalls his childhood fondness for the magazine “Highlights for Children,” particularly the puzzle feature “Check and Double Check!” This nostalgic activity involved identifying subtle differences between two nearly identical images, reflecting the notion of change and repetition. As he and his wife transitioned to a new calendar, he noted how each year evokes a cycle of familiar seasons—a theme echoed in the Hebrew word for year: “shanah.”
This term not only signifies a year but also embodies the ideas of repetition and renewal. In his 2016 work, “The Book of Mysteries,” author Jonathan Cahn elaborates on this concept, stating, “In the course of nature, the year (shanah) is the repeating of what has already been… But ‘shanah’ has a double meaning. It not only means the repeat… it also means the change.”
As the new year unfolds, individuals will encounter both expected and unforeseen changes. Some transitions will be welcomed, while others may feel imposed. Rev. Sergi emphasizes that our responses to these changes define our experiences. He believes that amidst life’s uncertainties, the desire to foster an intimate relationship with God remains steadfast.
Reflections on Transformation
Rev. Sergi references a passage from 2 Corinthians 3:18, which states, “And the Lord — who is Spirit — makes us more and more like Him as we are changed by His Spirit to reflect that same glorious image.” This scripture speaks to the continual transformation that individuals undergo as they engage in their faith. The question arises: what differences will the year ahead bring?
For those who trust in God, the inquiry shifts to whether it will be a “holy new year.” Rev. Sergi encourages readers to reflect on the changes that await them and to consider how their growth may impact others. He hopes that the differences experienced in the coming year will lead others to a realization of what God is like, akin to the moments of discovery found in the childhood puzzle.
As we step into 2024, Rev. Sergi invites everyone to remain open to the opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. The transitions that each person faces are not merely challenges but potential catalysts for deeper understanding and connection with the divine.
Rev. Sergi, now a district field director for the ECC overseeing twelve churches in the Lehigh Valley area, has dedicated his life to fostering community and spiritual guidance. Having served as a pastor for ten years at Emmanuel E.C. Church, he combines his pastoral insights with reflections from his previous career in the U.S. Air Force and as an engineer in telecommunications.
In closing, as families and individuals prepare to navigate the complexities of the new year, may they find strength in their faith and embrace the transformative power of change. Through this journey, the hope is that they may inspire others to discover the essence of faith and renewal.
