Jan. 14, 2025
Church Chronicles: Ep 1: From Janus to Jesus: Understanding New Year's Traditions
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In this episode of Church Chronicles with the Diary of a Black Woman, host Connie Morris embarks on a journey to uncover the hidden pagan roots of New Year's Day traditions. As we welcome 2025, Connie explores the history of the Roman God Janus and his influence on New Year's celebrations. She challenges listeners to re-evaluate these customs and understand their true origins.
Dive into the symbolism of Janus, the Roman deity associated with beginnings and transitions, and discover how these ancient beliefs have shaped the way we celebrate today. Through biblical insights and historical context, Connie encourages a re-established focus on faith in God as the true architect of time and seasons.
Join in as we set aside superstitions and affirm the Christian perspective that it is God alone who holds the keys to our future. This episode offers a faith-filled approach to New Year's, providing listeners new insights and encouragement as they approach the year ahead.
00:04 - Introduction to New Year's Traditions
02:31 - Uncovering Roman Beliefs
03:30 - The Worship of Janus
09:02 - Transition to Christian Understanding
13:51 - Evolution of New Year's Celebrations
WEBVTT
00:00:00.017 --> 00:00:04.017
Welcome to Church Chronicles with a Diary of a Black Woman.
00:00:04.197 --> 00:00:09.077
I'm your host, Connie Morris, and today we're diving deep into the history of
00:00:09.077 --> 00:00:16.777
New Year's Day with our new series titled, The Real Story Behind New Year's Traditions.
00:00:17.457 --> 00:00:23.277
As the year begins and the old year comes to a close,
00:00:23.497 --> 00:00:29.677
and we look forward to a new year where fresh starts, Many of us celebrate with
00:00:29.677 --> 00:00:32.857
traditions that has been passed down through generations.
00:00:33.417 --> 00:00:38.377
But where do these traditions come from? Today, we're going to uncover the pagan
00:00:38.377 --> 00:00:45.697
organ of New Year's Day and explore how the ancient Romans celebrated this time of transition.
00:00:45.697 --> 00:00:51.117
And hopefully by the end of this episode, we'll not only put these pagan beliefs
00:00:51.117 --> 00:01:00.157
to rest, but reaffirm the truth that God is the only one who can open and shut doors in our lives.
00:01:00.757 --> 00:01:07.757
So first, we're going to talk about the Roman God Janus and the festival of beginning.
00:01:08.037 --> 00:01:12.917
So this year, 2025, we're going to put to rest a lot of these pagan beliefs.
00:01:12.917 --> 00:01:17.097
And we're going to cover them with the word of God.
00:01:17.397 --> 00:01:20.277
There's so many beliefs. We just love Christmas.
00:01:21.377 --> 00:01:24.637
Christmas got some things going on. I didn't cover a lot of Christmas stuff
00:01:24.637 --> 00:01:30.117
this year, but it's on my list for next year, for 2025, I mean,
00:01:30.517 --> 00:01:32.877
and so for this year, for 2025.
00:01:33.337 --> 00:01:39.037
And so I want to just cover a lot of the pagan origins of a lot of these holidays,
00:01:39.037 --> 00:01:44.577
and then we're gonna cover them with the blood of Jesus and the word of God
00:01:44.577 --> 00:01:46.397
and just put them to rest.
00:01:46.557 --> 00:01:50.617
Because as we know, Satan is a copycatter, right?
00:01:50.797 --> 00:01:55.057
And so if God has a holiday, so does Satan has a holiday. And a lot of times
00:01:55.057 --> 00:01:58.337
we get confused, like we worshiping God on the wrong day.
00:01:58.577 --> 00:02:02.697
Long as we worship in God in spirit and in truth, we are okay.
00:02:02.817 --> 00:02:07.837
So let's not get that twisted as we go into our new year of 2025,
00:02:07.837 --> 00:02:13.157
a year of divine surprises and jubilee blessing.
00:02:13.437 --> 00:02:19.977
And so I want to just make sure that you understand that it's God who owns the earth.
00:02:20.217 --> 00:02:22.917
He controls the times and the seasons.
00:02:23.177 --> 00:02:28.757
And a lot of these holidays are kind of mixed with pagan beliefs and they get everybody twisted.
00:02:28.837 --> 00:02:31.577
So we have to be able to understand them.
00:02:31.697 --> 00:02:36.557
I'm not saying I'm the expert in these, but I give you enough information so
00:02:36.557 --> 00:02:39.977
that you yourself can go out and research more, okay?
00:02:40.918 --> 00:02:45.298
So let's get started. So let's talk about the Roman God, Janus,
00:02:45.438 --> 00:02:48.918
which is for January and the Festival of Beginnings.
00:02:49.078 --> 00:02:54.098
You know, January, February, March, these months are all pagan months.
00:02:54.238 --> 00:02:59.258
And so somehow, someway, somehow they were changed.
00:02:59.318 --> 00:03:03.598
And so we're going to go through that and we're going to go into what the Bible
00:03:03.598 --> 00:03:05.918
months are listed in the Bible.
00:03:06.098 --> 00:03:09.618
And so we're just going to get our mind right for 2025.
00:03:10.538 --> 00:03:13.718
Jesus is the author and the finisher of our faith.
00:03:13.898 --> 00:03:18.158
So I don't want to confuse you, but like I told you, when we're doing church
00:03:18.158 --> 00:03:22.138
chronicles, I'm here to get it right. We're going to get the truth out.
00:03:22.398 --> 00:03:25.218
We're going to get the lies right.
00:03:25.518 --> 00:03:29.838
We're going to sprinkle it with the blood of Jesus and the word of God.
00:03:30.078 --> 00:03:39.038
So let's start by going over ancient Rome, where the new year was closely tied to the worship of Janus.
00:03:39.158 --> 00:03:41.138
They name it after Janus, right?
00:03:41.538 --> 00:03:46.798
Janus was no ordinary God. He was a Roman deity of beginnings,
00:03:47.278 --> 00:03:51.358
transitions, and endings, depicting with two faces.
00:03:51.558 --> 00:03:55.278
And I'm going to put that on the, I got a copy of this picture.
00:03:55.518 --> 00:03:58.958
I'll put it on my website. You get a copy of it.
00:03:59.778 --> 00:04:04.618
Janus looked both to the past and to the future. simultaneously,
00:04:05.078 --> 00:04:08.598
making him a powerful symbol of new beginnings.
00:04:09.018 --> 00:04:14.538
The worship of Janus, the worship of Janus, Janus was considered the God,
00:04:14.678 --> 00:04:20.738
small case G, of doorways, gates, and all forms of passage, and all form of passage.
00:04:21.018 --> 00:04:27.218
The Romans believed that every door, whether physical or metaphorical, was under his control.
00:04:27.558 --> 00:04:34.738
The belief extended to the passage of time, especially the transition from one year to the next.
00:04:34.958 --> 00:04:42.218
They honored Janus, J-A-N-U-S, as the start of a new venture,
00:04:42.438 --> 00:04:49.038
including the beginning of the year, hoping that his favor would bring them good fortune.
00:04:49.358 --> 00:04:56.698
The Festival of Janus, the New Year celebration held on January 1st, was dedicated to Janus.
00:04:56.698 --> 00:05:04.818
The month of January itself is named after him, symbolizing his role as a gateway to the new year.
00:05:05.566 --> 00:05:11.266
The festival often, festival involved a variety of rituals.
00:05:11.886 --> 00:05:17.866
One, sacrifice and offering. The Romans made sacrifices of grain,
00:05:18.086 --> 00:05:23.606
wine, and incense to Janus, believing that these offerings would secure his
00:05:23.606 --> 00:05:25.286
favor for the year ahead.
00:05:25.586 --> 00:05:30.126
They sought his protection and blessings, hoping that he would open doors of
00:05:30.126 --> 00:05:35.806
opportunity and close those that might bring him harm. Don't that sound familiar?
00:05:36.766 --> 00:05:42.446
Exchange good wishes. It was us customary to exchange gifts and well wishes
00:05:42.446 --> 00:05:47.026
with friends and family, a practice that symbolizes the hope for prosperity
00:05:47.026 --> 00:05:51.166
and happiness in the coming year. Does that sound familiar?
00:05:51.866 --> 00:05:57.226
Ritual purification. Romans also engaged in ritual purification,
00:05:57.226 --> 00:06:02.406
such as washing their hands or homes to cleanse themselves of the past year,
00:06:02.406 --> 00:06:09.306
impurities and start the new year fresh and pure in Janus' eyes.
00:06:09.506 --> 00:06:15.286
These practices reflected the deep-seated belief that the way one began the
00:06:15.286 --> 00:06:17.646
year would influence the entire course.
00:06:17.806 --> 00:06:20.266
Those are the New Year's traditions, right?
00:06:20.686 --> 00:06:25.706
By honoring Janus, the Roman hoped to secure a positive and prosperous future.
00:06:25.906 --> 00:06:32.566
So what was the significance to Janus in the Roman culture? The Romans didn't
00:06:32.566 --> 00:06:35.986
just celebrate Janus on New Year's Day.
00:06:36.226 --> 00:06:39.966
His influence was felt throughout their daily lives.
00:06:41.146 --> 00:06:49.386
As a God, small case G, of doorways and transition, Janus was invoked at the
00:06:49.386 --> 00:06:51.666
start of almost every new endeavor.
00:06:51.906 --> 00:06:56.986
Whether it was a beginning of a new day, a journey, a marriage,
00:06:57.086 --> 00:07:02.246
or even a battle, the Romans sought Janus' blessing to ensure a successful outcome.
00:07:02.626 --> 00:07:08.506
Cultural practices for the Roman, Janus represented more than just transition
00:07:08.506 --> 00:07:09.986
from one year to the next.
00:07:10.226 --> 00:07:15.946
He symbolizes the importance of beginnings in all aspects of life.
00:07:16.146 --> 00:07:23.286
They believe that starting something with the right ritual and under the proper
00:07:23.286 --> 00:07:27.146
auspices was crucial to its success.
00:07:27.546 --> 00:07:32.786
Daily prayers, Roman often began their days with prayers to Janus,
00:07:33.206 --> 00:07:40.806
asking for his guidance and protection as they navigated the challenges ahead.
00:07:41.386 --> 00:07:47.906
Architectural significance, Janus' presence was evidenced even in architecture. Many Roman gates,
00:07:48.661 --> 00:07:57.381
Doorways were adorned with his image symbolizing his role as protector for those who pass by.
00:07:58.241 --> 00:08:01.421
And then fear of uncontrolled beginnings.
00:08:02.641 --> 00:08:06.861
The importance placed on Janus also stemmed from fear of uncontrolled beginnings.
00:08:07.101 --> 00:08:14.441
The Romans were deeply superstitious, and they believed that if a new venture
00:08:14.441 --> 00:08:17.181
started poorly, it would bring misfortune.
00:08:17.181 --> 00:08:22.981
By honoring Janus, they sought to mitigate these fears, believing that his favor
00:08:22.981 --> 00:08:24.501
would bring them success.
00:08:25.021 --> 00:08:30.021
However, as Christians, we know that these beliefs are rooted in superstition.
00:08:30.321 --> 00:08:35.181
However, as Christians, we believe these roots are, we believe these,
00:08:35.701 --> 00:08:36.961
hello, let me start over.
00:08:37.081 --> 00:08:40.521
However, as Christians, we believe these are rooted in what?
00:08:41.561 --> 00:08:46.821
Superstition rather than truth. While the Romans trusted Janus to control their
00:08:46.821 --> 00:08:54.121
beginnings, we trust in the one true God who hold our lives in our hands. Amen.
00:08:54.461 --> 00:09:02.181
So we see what Janus, what they did with Janus. And so we believe in the one and true and living God.
00:09:02.461 --> 00:09:07.401
Now that we've explored the pagan origins of the New Year's Day,
00:09:07.561 --> 00:09:10.181
it's time for us to put these beliefs to rest.
00:09:10.181 --> 00:09:15.121
As Christians, we understand that the power to open and close doors to beginning
00:09:15.121 --> 00:09:23.161
and end seasons rests not with Janice or any false God, but with the Lord Almighty.
00:09:24.161 --> 00:09:28.341
John 10 verses 9 through 10 says, I am the door.
00:09:28.501 --> 00:09:34.861
If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
00:09:35.527 --> 00:09:38.467
The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy.
00:09:38.787 --> 00:09:43.127
I come that they might have life and have it abundantly.
00:09:43.307 --> 00:09:49.447
In this passage, Jesus declares himself as the door, the true gateway to life and salvation.
00:09:49.827 --> 00:09:54.787
Unlike Janice, who believes to preside over the doorway's transitions,
00:09:55.087 --> 00:09:59.607
Jesus is the only one through whom we can enter into eternal life.
00:09:59.627 --> 00:10:04.687
The thief, representing false gods and deceptions like those of Janice,
00:10:04.687 --> 00:10:07.247
comes only to steal, kill, and destroy.
00:10:07.467 --> 00:10:11.207
But Jesus offers us life, abundant and eternal.
00:10:12.147 --> 00:10:16.847
Revelations 3, 7, and 8. These are the words of him who is holy and true,
00:10:17.087 --> 00:10:19.987
who holds the key of David.
00:10:20.347 --> 00:10:25.307
When he opened, what he opens, no one can shut. And what he shuts,
00:10:25.467 --> 00:10:27.967
no one can open. I know your deeds.
00:10:28.207 --> 00:10:33.927
See, I have placed before you an open door no one can shut. This verse from
00:10:33.927 --> 00:10:39.427
Revelation reminds us that Jesus has the ultimate authority over our lives.
00:10:39.587 --> 00:10:45.267
He opens doors of opportunity and closes doors to protect us from harm.
00:10:45.507 --> 00:10:53.287
No God, small case G of Rome, or any other false deity holds this power.
00:10:53.667 --> 00:10:57.467
Only the Lord of Lord does. Amen.
00:10:58.127 --> 00:11:07.867
Isaiah 22, 22. I have placed on his shoulder the key of the house of David that he opens what he opens.
00:11:08.147 --> 00:11:12.967
No one can shut. And when he shuts, no one can open this prophecy fulfilled
00:11:12.967 --> 00:11:20.067
in Christ, emphasizing that God alone has the authority to control the doors of our lives.
00:11:20.067 --> 00:11:25.927
Just as he controls the keys to the house of David, he controls the keys to
00:11:25.927 --> 00:11:29.907
our lives, our opportunities and our destiny. these.
00:11:30.791 --> 00:11:36.211
Colossians 1, 16 to 17, for in him, all things were created,
00:11:36.471 --> 00:11:40.031
things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,
00:11:40.551 --> 00:11:42.911
whether thrones or powers or rulers
00:11:42.911 --> 00:11:46.951
or authorities, all things have been created through him and for him.
00:11:47.171 --> 00:11:52.331
He is before all things and in him, all things hold together. Amen.
00:11:52.791 --> 00:12:00.651
This passage reminds us that all things, including time, beginning and endings were created by God.
00:12:00.791 --> 00:12:06.491
He is the one who holds everything together. We don't need to rely on superstitions,
00:12:07.011 --> 00:12:09.511
ancient rituals to ensure our success.
00:12:09.531 --> 00:12:15.511
We rely on the creator of the universe who is sovereign over all.
00:12:15.931 --> 00:12:19.811
So we need to put those pagan beliefs to rest.
00:12:19.951 --> 00:12:25.311
As we reflect on the pagan origins of New Year's Day, it's clear that the worship
00:12:25.311 --> 00:12:32.211
of Janus was rooted in fear, superstition, and misunderstanding of who truly controls the future.
00:12:32.451 --> 00:12:40.111
The Romans placed their trust in a God, who ultimately was powerless to affect
00:12:40.111 --> 00:12:42.351
their lives in any meaningful way.
00:12:42.491 --> 00:12:44.551
But as Christians, we know better.
00:12:44.751 --> 00:12:48.511
We know that it is God, not Janus.
00:12:49.390 --> 00:12:53.290
Or any other false deity who holds the keys to our future.
00:12:53.350 --> 00:12:59.150
It is he who opens doors that no one can shut and shut doors that no one can open.
00:12:59.510 --> 00:13:05.550
Our beginnings, transitions, and endings, come on now, are all under his sovereign control.
00:13:05.750 --> 00:13:12.110
So as we prepare to enter a new year, let these pagan beliefs rest once and for all.
00:13:12.290 --> 00:13:18.710
Let's reject the superstition and rituals that have no power and instead embrace
00:13:18.710 --> 00:13:22.770
the truth that God alone directs our path.
00:13:23.310 --> 00:13:28.130
As we close this episode, I encourage you to start the new year with renewed
00:13:28.130 --> 00:13:30.710
focus on God's sovereignty in your life.
00:13:30.930 --> 00:13:36.970
Remember that he is the one who holds your future and it's through him that all blessings flow.
00:13:37.150 --> 00:13:42.790
As we prepare for the new year, let's do so with a heart full of faith,
00:13:42.970 --> 00:13:47.910
trusting that the Lord will guide us through every door, every transition,
00:13:47.910 --> 00:13:51.430
and every new beginning. Amen.
00:13:51.990 --> 00:13:56.230
So in our next episode, we'll explore how the celebration of New Year's Day
00:13:56.230 --> 00:14:01.430
evolved from its pagan roots to include more secular and Christian practices.
00:14:01.490 --> 00:14:06.710
We'll look at how Christians began to incorporate their customs into these days
00:14:06.710 --> 00:14:10.490
of new beginnings and what that means for us today.
00:14:10.690 --> 00:14:15.210
I hope you'll join me as we continue this journey through the history and faith
00:14:15.210 --> 00:14:17.630
behind the New Year's Day.
00:14:18.610 --> 00:14:23.050
Hallelujah. Thank you for joining me on this episode of Church Chronicles with
00:14:23.050 --> 00:14:24.590
the Diary of Black Women.
00:14:24.750 --> 00:14:28.890
I'm your host, Connie Morris, and I pray that today's discussion is giving you
00:14:28.890 --> 00:14:33.590
new insights into the origins of New Year's Day and how we can approach this
00:14:33.590 --> 00:14:36.170
holiday with faith-filled perspective.
00:14:36.390 --> 00:14:40.250
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review,
00:14:40.290 --> 00:14:44.770
and share with others who might be interested in exploring these topics.
00:14:45.030 --> 00:14:50.010
Until next time, stay curious, stay faithful, and remember, the truth is often
00:14:50.010 --> 00:14:53.290
more surprising than we expected.
00:00:00.017 --> 00:00:04.017
Welcome to Church Chronicles with a Diary of a Black Woman.
00:00:04.197 --> 00:00:09.077
I'm your host, Connie Morris, and today we're diving deep into the history of
00:00:09.077 --> 00:00:16.777
New Year's Day with our new series titled, The Real Story Behind New Year's Traditions.
00:00:17.457 --> 00:00:23.277
As the year begins and the old year comes to a close,
00:00:23.497 --> 00:00:29.677
and we look forward to a new year where fresh starts, Many of us celebrate with
00:00:29.677 --> 00:00:32.857
traditions that has been passed down through generations.
00:00:33.417 --> 00:00:38.377
But where do these traditions come from? Today, we're going to uncover the pagan
00:00:38.377 --> 00:00:45.697
organ of New Year's Day and explore how the ancient Romans celebrated this time of transition.
00:00:45.697 --> 00:00:51.117
And hopefully by the end of this episode, we'll not only put these pagan beliefs
00:00:51.117 --> 00:01:00.157
to rest, but reaffirm the truth that God is the only one who can open and shut doors in our lives.
00:01:00.757 --> 00:01:07.757
So first, we're going to talk about the Roman God Janus and the festival of beginning.
00:01:08.037 --> 00:01:12.917
So this year, 2025, we're going to put to rest a lot of these pagan beliefs.
00:01:12.917 --> 00:01:17.097
And we're going to cover them with the word of God.
00:01:17.397 --> 00:01:20.277
There's so many beliefs. We just love Christmas.
00:01:21.377 --> 00:01:24.637
Christmas got some things going on. I didn't cover a lot of Christmas stuff
00:01:24.637 --> 00:01:30.117
this year, but it's on my list for next year, for 2025, I mean,
00:01:30.517 --> 00:01:32.877
and so for this year, for 2025.
00:01:33.337 --> 00:01:39.037
And so I want to just cover a lot of the pagan origins of a lot of these holidays,
00:01:39.037 --> 00:01:44.577
and then we're gonna cover them with the blood of Jesus and the word of God
00:01:44.577 --> 00:01:46.397
and just put them to rest.
00:01:46.557 --> 00:01:50.617
Because as we know, Satan is a copycatter, right?
00:01:50.797 --> 00:01:55.057
And so if God has a holiday, so does Satan has a holiday. And a lot of times
00:01:55.057 --> 00:01:58.337
we get confused, like we worshiping God on the wrong day.
00:01:58.577 --> 00:02:02.697
Long as we worship in God in spirit and in truth, we are okay.
00:02:02.817 --> 00:02:07.837
So let's not get that twisted as we go into our new year of 2025,
00:02:07.837 --> 00:02:13.157
a year of divine surprises and jubilee blessing.
00:02:13.437 --> 00:02:19.977
And so I want to just make sure that you understand that it's God who owns the earth.
00:02:20.217 --> 00:02:22.917
He controls the times and the seasons.
00:02:23.177 --> 00:02:28.757
And a lot of these holidays are kind of mixed with pagan beliefs and they get everybody twisted.
00:02:28.837 --> 00:02:31.577
So we have to be able to understand them.
00:02:31.697 --> 00:02:36.557
I'm not saying I'm the expert in these, but I give you enough information so
00:02:36.557 --> 00:02:39.977
that you yourself can go out and research more, okay?
00:02:40.918 --> 00:02:45.298
So let's get started. So let's talk about the Roman God, Janus,
00:02:45.438 --> 00:02:48.918
which is for January and the Festival of Beginnings.
00:02:49.078 --> 00:02:54.098
You know, January, February, March, these months are all pagan months.
00:02:54.238 --> 00:02:59.258
And so somehow, someway, somehow they were changed.
00:02:59.318 --> 00:03:03.598
And so we're going to go through that and we're going to go into what the Bible
00:03:03.598 --> 00:03:05.918
months are listed in the Bible.
00:03:06.098 --> 00:03:09.618
And so we're just going to get our mind right for 2025.
00:03:10.538 --> 00:03:13.718
Jesus is the author and the finisher of our faith.
00:03:13.898 --> 00:03:18.158
So I don't want to confuse you, but like I told you, when we're doing church
00:03:18.158 --> 00:03:22.138
chronicles, I'm here to get it right. We're going to get the truth out.
00:03:22.398 --> 00:03:25.218
We're going to get the lies right.
00:03:25.518 --> 00:03:29.838
We're going to sprinkle it with the blood of Jesus and the word of God.
00:03:30.078 --> 00:03:39.038
So let's start by going over ancient Rome, where the new year was closely tied to the worship of Janus.
00:03:39.158 --> 00:03:41.138
They name it after Janus, right?
00:03:41.538 --> 00:03:46.798
Janus was no ordinary God. He was a Roman deity of beginnings,
00:03:47.278 --> 00:03:51.358
transitions, and endings, depicting with two faces.
00:03:51.558 --> 00:03:55.278
And I'm going to put that on the, I got a copy of this picture.
00:03:55.518 --> 00:03:58.958
I'll put it on my website. You get a copy of it.
00:03:59.778 --> 00:04:04.618
Janus looked both to the past and to the future. simultaneously,
00:04:05.078 --> 00:04:08.598
making him a powerful symbol of new beginnings.
00:04:09.018 --> 00:04:14.538
The worship of Janus, the worship of Janus, Janus was considered the God,
00:04:14.678 --> 00:04:20.738
small case G, of doorways, gates, and all forms of passage, and all form of passage.
00:04:21.018 --> 00:04:27.218
The Romans believed that every door, whether physical or metaphorical, was under his control.
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The belief extended to the passage of time, especially the transition from one year to the next.
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They honored Janus, J-A-N-U-S, as the start of a new venture,
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including the beginning of the year, hoping that his favor would bring them good fortune.
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The Festival of Janus, the New Year celebration held on January 1st, was dedicated to Janus.
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The month of January itself is named after him, symbolizing his role as a gateway to the new year.
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The festival often, festival involved a variety of rituals.
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One, sacrifice and offering. The Romans made sacrifices of grain,
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wine, and incense to Janus, believing that these offerings would secure his
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favor for the year ahead.
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They sought his protection and blessings, hoping that he would open doors of
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opportunity and close those that might bring him harm. Don't that sound familiar?
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Exchange good wishes. It was us customary to exchange gifts and well wishes
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with friends and family, a practice that symbolizes the hope for prosperity
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and happiness in the coming year. Does that sound familiar?
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Ritual purification. Romans also engaged in ritual purification,
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such as washing their hands or homes to cleanse themselves of the past year,
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impurities and start the new year fresh and pure in Janus' eyes.
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These practices reflected the deep-seated belief that the way one began the
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year would influence the entire course.
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Those are the New Year's traditions, right?
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By honoring Janus, the Roman hoped to secure a positive and prosperous future.
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So what was the significance to Janus in the Roman culture? The Romans didn't
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just celebrate Janus on New Year's Day.
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His influence was felt throughout their daily lives.
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As a God, small case G, of doorways and transition, Janus was invoked at the
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start of almost every new endeavor.
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Whether it was a beginning of a new day, a journey, a marriage,
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or even a battle, the Romans sought Janus' blessing to ensure a successful outcome.
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Cultural practices for the Roman, Janus represented more than just transition
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from one year to the next.
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He symbolizes the importance of beginnings in all aspects of life.
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They believe that starting something with the right ritual and under the proper
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auspices was crucial to its success.
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Daily prayers, Roman often began their days with prayers to Janus,
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asking for his guidance and protection as they navigated the challenges ahead.
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Architectural significance, Janus' presence was evidenced even in architecture. Many Roman gates,
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Doorways were adorned with his image symbolizing his role as protector for those who pass by.
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And then fear of uncontrolled beginnings.
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The importance placed on Janus also stemmed from fear of uncontrolled beginnings.
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The Romans were deeply superstitious, and they believed that if a new venture
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started poorly, it would bring misfortune.
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By honoring Janus, they sought to mitigate these fears, believing that his favor
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would bring them success.
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However, as Christians, we know that these beliefs are rooted in superstition.
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However, as Christians, we believe these roots are, we believe these,
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hello, let me start over.
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However, as Christians, we believe these are rooted in what?
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Superstition rather than truth. While the Romans trusted Janus to control their
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beginnings, we trust in the one true God who hold our lives in our hands. Amen.
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So we see what Janus, what they did with Janus. And so we believe in the one and true and living God.
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Now that we've explored the pagan origins of the New Year's Day,
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it's time for us to put these beliefs to rest.
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As Christians, we understand that the power to open and close doors to beginning
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and end seasons rests not with Janice or any false God, but with the Lord Almighty.
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John 10 verses 9 through 10 says, I am the door.
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If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
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The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy.
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I come that they might have life and have it abundantly.
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In this passage, Jesus declares himself as the door, the true gateway to life and salvation.
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Unlike Janice, who believes to preside over the doorway's transitions,
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Jesus is the only one through whom we can enter into eternal life.
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The thief, representing false gods and deceptions like those of Janice,
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comes only to steal, kill, and destroy.
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But Jesus offers us life, abundant and eternal.
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Revelations 3, 7, and 8. These are the words of him who is holy and true,
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who holds the key of David.
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When he opened, what he opens, no one can shut. And what he shuts,
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no one can open. I know your deeds.
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See, I have placed before you an open door no one can shut. This verse from
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Revelation reminds us that Jesus has the ultimate authority over our lives.
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He opens doors of opportunity and closes doors to protect us from harm.
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No God, small case G of Rome, or any other false deity holds this power.
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Only the Lord of Lord does. Amen.
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Isaiah 22, 22. I have placed on his shoulder the key of the house of David that he opens what he opens.
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No one can shut. And when he shuts, no one can open this prophecy fulfilled
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in Christ, emphasizing that God alone has the authority to control the doors of our lives.
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Just as he controls the keys to the house of David, he controls the keys to
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our lives, our opportunities and our destiny. these.
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Colossians 1, 16 to 17, for in him, all things were created,
00:11:36.471 --> 00:11:40.031
things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,
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whether thrones or powers or rulers
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or authorities, all things have been created through him and for him.
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He is before all things and in him, all things hold together. Amen.
00:11:52.791 --> 00:12:00.651
This passage reminds us that all things, including time, beginning and endings were created by God.
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He is the one who holds everything together. We don't need to rely on superstitions,
00:12:07.011 --> 00:12:09.511
ancient rituals to ensure our success.
00:12:09.531 --> 00:12:15.511
We rely on the creator of the universe who is sovereign over all.
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So we need to put those pagan beliefs to rest.
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As we reflect on the pagan origins of New Year's Day, it's clear that the worship
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of Janus was rooted in fear, superstition, and misunderstanding of who truly controls the future.
00:12:32.451 --> 00:12:40.111
The Romans placed their trust in a God, who ultimately was powerless to affect
00:12:40.111 --> 00:12:42.351
their lives in any meaningful way.
00:12:42.491 --> 00:12:44.551
But as Christians, we know better.
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We know that it is God, not Janus.
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Or any other false deity who holds the keys to our future.
00:12:53.350 --> 00:12:59.150
It is he who opens doors that no one can shut and shut doors that no one can open.
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Our beginnings, transitions, and endings, come on now, are all under his sovereign control.
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So as we prepare to enter a new year, let these pagan beliefs rest once and for all.
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Let's reject the superstition and rituals that have no power and instead embrace
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the truth that God alone directs our path.
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As we close this episode, I encourage you to start the new year with renewed
00:13:28.130 --> 00:13:30.710
focus on God's sovereignty in your life.
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Remember that he is the one who holds your future and it's through him that all blessings flow.
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As we prepare for the new year, let's do so with a heart full of faith,
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trusting that the Lord will guide us through every door, every transition,
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and every new beginning. Amen.
00:13:51.990 --> 00:13:56.230
So in our next episode, we'll explore how the celebration of New Year's Day
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evolved from its pagan roots to include more secular and Christian practices.
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We'll look at how Christians began to incorporate their customs into these days
00:14:06.710 --> 00:14:10.490
of new beginnings and what that means for us today.
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I hope you'll join me as we continue this journey through the history and faith
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behind the New Year's Day.
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Hallelujah. Thank you for joining me on this episode of Church Chronicles with
00:14:23.050 --> 00:14:24.590
the Diary of Black Women.
00:14:24.750 --> 00:14:28.890
I'm your host, Connie Morris, and I pray that today's discussion is giving you
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new insights into the origins of New Year's Day and how we can approach this
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holiday with faith-filled perspective.
00:14:36.390 --> 00:14:40.250
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review,
00:14:40.290 --> 00:14:44.770
and share with others who might be interested in exploring these topics.
00:14:45.030 --> 00:14:50.010
Until next time, stay curious, stay faithful, and remember, the truth is often
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more surprising than we expected.