“This month is to be for you the first month, the first month* of your year,” said God to Moses after the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. (Exodus 12:2) This year, the first day of the first month falls on March 17. The day is sometimes called Rosh Chodeshim or “Head of Months” because it serves to reset the calendar for the whole year. In the Messianic Age, Rosh Chodeshim will continue to be set apart as holy. (Ezekiel 45:18)
It was on the first day of the first month that God’s glory came to dwell with His people: “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Set up the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, on the first day of the first month.’ … So the tabernacle was set up on [that] day. … Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:1-2, 17, 33)
As we celebrate and sanctify the new year, may God’s glory come to dwell with you personally in a new, very meaningful way. May He inaugurate this year with His presence among us as never before!
*The first month of the year is commonly known as “Nisan,” a name derived from Jewish exile. For more on Rosh Chodeshim, you can visit http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Spring_Holidays/Rosh_Chodashim/rosh_chodashim.html.