New beginnings are always exciting, and here we’ll take a look at how it’s related to the spiritual meaning of new beginnings. New beginnings is a phrase that many would consider to be metaphorical because it has no literal meaning. In most cases, new beginnings are the start of something great. They’re typically full of hope and light at the end of the tunnel. These are things that most would not associate with darkness. This can make new beginnings seem as though they have no underlying theme or spiritual meaning, but this isn’t necessarily true. So, what does pain symbolize in a dream?
New beginnings are important because they represent a fresh slate. For example, the Chinese New Year is celebrated as the beginning of a new age and occurs each year in late January or early February on the first day of the lunar calendar. Related to new beginnings is luck and well-being because it’s thought if you begin something on a good note, your future will shine too.
Spiritual Meaning Of New Beginnings
The spiritual meaning of new beginnings is a time to start over, to begin again. It’s the perfect opportunity to clean the slate, put the past behind you, and move forward with a clear conscience.
New beginnings are often thought of as being positive, but they can also be painful. They are sometimes an ending of something that was good in your life, and that can make it hard to see why you should be happy about them. But if you look at them as an opportunity to start over, you can see that there really is no reason not to be excited about what comes next!
The spiritual meaning of new beginnings says that whatever it is that’s happening right now—whether it’s good or bad—it’s just part of a process. And when we look at things in terms of processes rather than events happening one after another (which is how our minds tend to think), then we can see that they’re just steps along the way towards something better.
New beginnings are a time for reflection, reinvention, and change. When you’re in the midst of new beginnings, it can be easy to get swept up in the excitement of the moment and forget how important it is to take time to reflect on what’s happening around you.
The spiritual meaning of new beginnings is that this is your chance to shed old skin—your old habits, thoughts, and patterns—and find out who you really are underneath it all. This is also a time when it’s okay to ask yourself tough questions about life: What do I want? What makes me happy?
If you can remember that this is a time of transition, then it will be easier to stay grounded while making changes in your life. And if there’s one thing we know about change…it’s that sometimes it can be scary! But with practice and patience, we can all learn how to move forward in our lives with ease and grace.
Signs, seasons, days, and years are physical shadows pointing to Christ who is the spiritual reality of all of them (Col. 2:16-17). That is, Christ is the real light to the people in this world (John 8:12) enabling us to have many new beginnings.
By seeing the spiritual significance of the new year, I believe you’ll be able to have a spiritual new beginning in your Christian life and make this new year the most meaningful one yet.
New Beginnings Sermon Illustrations
Days, months, and years are opportunities prepared by God.
Our God is a God of new beginnings as evidenced by His divine characteristics displayed in His creation. He created the universe such that there would be days, months, and years. Every twenty-four hours the earth revolves on its axis in such a way that we have a night followed by a new day.
Similarly, the moon revolves around the earth in such a way that we have new moons, new months for new seasons. The earth revolves around the sun in such a way that we have new years. All these days, months, and years are opportunities prepared by God.
In the physical universe, God ordained that all the living things should be regulated by days, months and years, whether plants or animals. For example, farmers plant their seed in the spring in order that they may reap in the fall. Children grow, year by year, making progressive advancement in their education.
Such a natural principle also applies to our business or career as well. If we had difficulty in our education, career or business in one year, we still have a new year with a new opportunity to start again. Because there is always the opportunity for the next year, we should not be discouraged but grasp the opportunity for a new beginning.
Spiritually, we have such opportunities day after day, month after month, and year after year. God is constantly presenting us with opportunities for a spiritual new beginning.
Every day, month and year is a new beginning.
In our spiritual life there should be days, months, and years. With the Israelites there was the Feast of the Passover as a new beginning in the first month of their sacred calendar, the month of Abib (Exo. 12:1-2). “Abib” means sprouting or budding. It denotes a new beginning of life. So from this we can see the spiritual significance of a new beginning is for sprouting, for growing.
For example, we may be short in pursuing the Lord, reading the Bible, poor in prayer, loose in preaching the gospel, and unfaithful in material offering—like the waning of the moon. However, we can let this failure pass and have a spiritual new moon.
We can also have a spiritual new day. We may have experienced a failure one day. Yet, after resting for the night we can have a new beginning when we rise up in the morning.
One of my favorite verses concerning having a daily new beginning is Lamentations 3:22-23 which says,
“It is Jehovah’s loving kindness that we are not consumed, for His compassions do not fail; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
We need to be like Jeremiah who realized His need to contact the Lord afresh every morning, putting our entire hope in Him, waiting on Him, and calling on His name (Lam. 3:22-25, 55).
It’s regrettable that as Christians we may enter into a new calendar year without entering into a new spiritual year. While celebrating the beginning of a new calendar year, we may fail to prepare ourselves for a new spiritual year, having no proper ending and no preparation for a spiritual new beginning.
How to have a spiritual new beginning in your Christian life
Keep a spiritual new year before God.
In order to have a spiritual new beginning before the Lord, we need go before God to review and settle our condition before Him from the passing year. Just as a business owner who must settle his outward accounts at the end of each year, we must settle our inward accounts with the Lord. May we all learn this spiritual lesson.
That is, from this year forward, I hope that we all will have a proper spiritual conclusion to each passing year and a proper beginning of each new spiritual year. May we all consider before the Lord how we have spent our time, the things in which we have failed and those in which we have overcome. Then we need to have a thorough clearance so that we may have a new beginning.
Observe two very important principles concerning days, months and years:
Their relationship to light-bearers
God in Christ is our light-bearer (John 8:12; 9:5). Every change in our spiritual condition depends on our meeting God. So in order to experience a new spiritual year, we need to seek God’s face and meet Him.
We need to bring our spiritual condition—our past and our present to Him. Place it before Him to receive His shining. Open ourselves to God so that as the Spirit He may come and shine on the items that we place before Him.
It is only such encounters with God that bring in the changes signified by days, months and years. Every change in our spiritual condition depends on our meeting God. Introspection will not bring a new beginning. Meeting God will.
Their relationship to death and resurrection
May we be those, who at the end of the year, go before God, bringing our life and work and our spiritual condition from the previous year to Him in prayer in order to receive His enlightenment. Then when we encounter His shining on our shortages, failures and mistakes, we simply confess them to Him such that we receive His forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9). In this way our past is terminated and we experience death.
Then as we pray, we will receive God’s fresh grace, fresh enlightenment, fresh power and fresh promises. In this way we will have a new beginning before God and will experience resurrection.
Our spiritual journey is a continual process of death and resurrection even as Paul expressed in Philippians 3:13,
“Forgetting the things which are behind and stretching forward to the things which are before.”
This refers to an ending and a new beginning.
Changing of days, months, and years depends on contacting God Himself.
The changing of days, months and years is the issue of our contacting God as light and the issue of entering into death and resurrection. Whenever we contact God, we are in the presence of light and when we contact Him we also enter into death and resurrection. So the proper ushering in of a new year is to have a new beginning and a new beginning is the issue of touching God and meeting God.
Spend sober time to meet God at the beginning of each new year.
Such a new beginning is not according to the festivities of the worldly celebrations but one of spending sober time to meet God at the beginning of each new year. In such times we may even come to Him with sorrow, fasting, confession, regret, and repentance. We may also ask Him for His mercy and His grace with prayer and petition. In this way we will truly have a new spiritual beginning of a new spiritual year.
“Lord Jesus, thank you for showing me the spiritual significance of the new year. Be my spiritual new beginning for a spiritual new year. I open my whole being to You. Enlighten me concerning the things that I need to confess one by one. Terminate the old things in Your death. Lord, fill me with Yourself as God’s fresh grace, fresh enlightenment, fresh power and fresh promises. Make this year one full of spiritual newness.”
Symbolizes New Beginnings
Symbolisms have a great influence in representing significant changes in life. Some of these symbols have been around since the dawn of civilization, while others are rooted in human experiences. From flowers to trees and cultural symbolism, we’ve rounded up a list of symbols of new beginnings to bring a dose of inspiration into your life.
Birch Tree
The word birch is derived from the Sanskrit term bher that means shining white, or bhurga that literally means a tree whose bark is used for writing upon, referencing to its white bark that can peel away from the tree like paper. In some regions, it’s known as a pioneer tree, since it’s one of the first trees that grow quickly in the woodlands even after natural disasters.
One of the most sacred trees for the Celts, birch tree symbolizes new beginnings, rebirth and hope. In the Celtic Ogham—an ancient Irish alphabet now known as the Celtic Tree Alphabet—the names of the letters are interpreted as names of shrubs or trees, where each letter corresponds to the characteristics of a certain tree. The Gaelic word for birch is beith, which is also the letter B of the alphabet.
To celebrate new beginnings, birch trees are used to make maypoles during the Beltane or Gaelic May Day festival, along with other Celtic festivities like Samhain and Imbloc. Because of its symbolism, it was also used for infants’ cradles and besom brooms, in hopes of removing negative energy from homes. In Native American culture, the tree stands for truth and the cleansing of the past for a new beginning.
Daffodils
Flowers aren’t only beautiful to look at; they also carry meaningful symbolism. In the language of flowers, daffodils represent new beginnings, renewal and rebirth since they’re one of the early bloomers in spring, and a great indicator that winter is over.
What’s more, yellow is their most popular color, which stands for happiness and optimism. As a symbol of fresh beginnings, bouquets of daffodils are often gifted to those making a career change or embarking on a new journey. They’re also great as gifts for new couples, as a wish for a happy new chapter together.
Rainbow
A sign of peace, hope and new beginnings, the rainbow has been featured in Western art to signify the promise of better times to come. Many view it as a spiritual sign, signifying that one should break from their current path and start over.
For others, it serves as an inspiration and encouragement from their spirit guides. In the 1960s, the rainbow was incorporated into flags during the peace marches in Italy, and continued to be used by several movements of social change.
White Dove
The white dove has gained significance in almost all cultures and religions. While it has long been used as a symbol of peace, it can also represent new beginnings. For Christians, the white dove is an important symbol of fresh beginnings. It makes a famous appearance in the Bible after the Great Flood, when Noah releases the dove into the world, and it returned with an olive leaf, which signified that the floodwaters were receding. It symbolized a new beginning, and that God had made peace with mankind.
For thousands of years, white doves have been used in rituals, ceremonies and celebrations. Nowadays, the tradition of releasing doves at weddings remains popular, as it’s believed to symbolize new beginnings for the newlywed, along with blessings of love, hope and peace.
New Moon
The moon is symbolic of a range of beliefs and interests, especially for those who believe in the influence of celestial bodies. The phases of the moon have long been used to represent the rhythm of time, as it goes along on the cycle. Since the new moon marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle, it has been associated with new beginnings, a fresh start and new phases in life.
Many believe that it’s the perfect time for meditation, self-reflection, goal setting, as well as starting something new, setting new intentions and initiating life changes, as the moon’s energy can help you to propel those transitions further. Some even harness the energy of the new moon with some rituals, in hopes of fulfilling their visions.
The Koru
One of the most popular Maori symbols, the koru resembles the spiral form of the unfurling fern sprout. The silver fern plant from which the symbol is derived, is significant to the indigenous people of New Zealand. Apart from its abilities of growth and regeneration, the budding leaves of the plant also mark the beginning of a new calendar.
If one fern frond died, another one is born in its place, associating it with creation, life, new beginnings and hope. The Maori people pass on their history and cultural heritage through oral lore and art. Today, the koru symbol is featured not only on carvings and paintings, but also in jewelry design and tattoos.
Inguz Rune Symbol
The runic alphabet was the first writing system used by the Norse and other Germanic people, and it was more of communication and tradition rather than magic. Nowadays, the rune symbols are believed to have philosophical and magical significance, so they’re commonly used in pagan rituals and divination. While their meanings are obscure, the Inguz or Ingwaz rune is thought to symbolize fertility and new beginnings. It’s believed to have great power, so many use it to mark a new phase of life or a new path.
Butterflies
The metamorphosis of a butterfly from a caterpillar to a winged creature associates it with new beginnings, rebirth, hope, transformation and change. Some even regard butterflies as spiritual guides on personal growth and change, as well as on embarking a new journey in life. The Native Americans would perform the Fancy Shawl dance, inspired by the Hopi ceremony of The Butterfly Dance, to celebrate renewal and new beginnings.
Number Eight
In Biblical numerology, the number eight is thought to symbolize new beginnings, because the eighth day was the first day after creation. Some scholars note that eight people survived the Great Flood, which contributes to the significance of the number. However, its symbolism may vary in different cultures and religions. In China, number eight is seen as a lucky number associated with prosperity and abundance.
Lotus Flower
One of the most spiritual plants in the world, the lotus can symbolize a number of different things, from beauty to purity, rebirth and new beginnings. Rooted in the mud, the flower blooms during the day and closes up when the sun sets. The next day, it re-blooms again, looking as pure and beautiful as always. Because of its symbolism, it’s often depicted alongside divine figures in different cultures.
The ancient Egyptians thought that the flower had the ability to give new life to the deceased, as shown in the Book of the Dead. In Eastern cultures, gods and goddesses are often depicted holding a lotus or sitting on the flower. They’re also popular symbols for people who have experienced hardships and challenges in life and are looking forward for a fresh start.
What does pain symbolize in a dream
In dreams, pain is often a symbol of something that’s not right in your life. Maybe there’s something you’re trying to ignore or leave behind, but it’s still there. Or maybe there’s something you’ve done or are doing that isn’t right and you’re afraid of facing the consequences.
Pain can also represent emotional hurt—something that happened in your past that still affects you today. You might be feeling guilty or ashamed about something, and your subconscious mind is showing you that through dreams of physical pain.
If you see yourself hurting someone else in a dream, this could mean that you feel guilty about the way you treated someone in real life. It could also mean that you feel like others are hurting you—that things aren’t going well for you at work or school, for example, and it’s getting under your skin.
Wrapping Up
In times of distress, we need something to lift our spirits and motivate us on our journey. Whether you want to celebrate a fresh start, or simply like to change and improve your life, these symbols of beginnings will give new hope and a dash of inspiration.
The Power Of New Beginnings
If we don’t know who we are, we’ll never know how we ought to live.
God’s promise is true: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). If you have given your life to Christ, you are a new creation − whether you feel like it or not.
What does this mean? What really happens to us when we believe in Christ? Let me list seven gifts God gives you when you commit your life to Christ.
A New Relationship
The first thing that happens when we give our lives to Christ is that God gives us a new relationship.
Once we were separated from God because of our sins − and not just separated, but alienated from Him. The Bible Says we were “excluded … , without hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12).
Yes, the first thing that happened when you committed your life to Christ is that God gave you a new relationship. He is now your loving heavenly Father, and you are now His child, spiritually reborn into His family.
A New Citizenship
The second thing God gives you when you commit your life to Christ is a new citizenship. You are still a citizen of a particular country − but now you are also a citizen of the kingdom of God.
As long as we are on this earth, we possess dual citizenship. On one hand we owe allegiance to our nation and are called to be good citizens. But we are also citizens of the kingdom of God, that invisible kingdom of which Christ is the head. Our supreme loyalty is to Him, and if someone demands we do wrong, “we must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5:29). And someday, the Bible tells us, this world’s kingdoms will become “the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).
A New Family
Not only does God give a new relationship with Himself and make us citizens of His kingdom, but He also gives us a new family − the family of God. You aren’t just related to God; you are now related to other believers. Everyone who truly believes in Jesus Christ is now your spiritual brother or sister.
This is one reason why you are never alone if you know Christ. You are part of God’s family, with brothers and sisters in Christ who love you and want to help you, if you will let them.
A New Purpose
Some people are very focused, using all their energies to reach their goals. Others drift through life with little purpose or direction, living for the moment and never thinking about where they are headed. Most people probably live somewhere in between. But they all have this in common: They are living only for themselves and their own happiness.
But when we come to Christ, God gives us a new purpose. Now we want to live for Christ and not just ourselves.
A New Power
One of the Bible’s most comforting truths is that when we come to Christ, God Himself comes to live within us by His Holy Spirit.
When you come to Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to live within you.
God has given us a new purpose − but without a new power we’ll never be able to achieve it.
Jesus promised, “you will receive the power when the Holy Spirit comes on you” (Acts 1:8). We weren’t meant to live the christian life in our own strength. God has provided His Spirit to help us.
A New Destiny
The word “conversion” means “change” − and the most radical change of all when we come to Christ is that God gives is a new destiny. Once we were headed for hell; now we are headed for heaven. Once we were bound for eternal separation from God; now we live with Him forever. Once we had no hope of eternal life; now we do. The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death. but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
In the midst of life’s problems and heartaches, never forget: This life is temporary. One day all our burdens will be cast aside, and we will be with Christ forever. Before us is a new destiny when we belong to Him.
A New Journey
Remember: When we come to Christ, God gives us a whole new life: a new relationship, a new relationship, a new citizenship, a new family, a new purpose, a new power, a new destiny. Don’t ever take lightly what Christ did for you on the cross − and don’t ever take lightly what God has given you if you have turned to Christ in repentance and faith.
But this isn’t the end of His bounty, for God also gives us one final gift: a new journey − a whole new path to follow until the day He takes us to heaven.
In other words, your decision for Christ isn’t an end but a beginning − the beginning of a whole new life. We aren’t only called to become Christians; we are also called to be Christians. The Christian life is a new journey – one that will take us the rest of our lives.