Summary
In scripture, the number seven represents completeness. The number seven is the most significant symbolic number in the Bible, appearing in some manner in almost six hundred passages. The word is used often in. the Bible to symbolize perfection, fullness, abundance, rest, and completion. On the other hand, the number eight marks the beginning of a new era and life after the seven has been completed. It is the number of new beginnings. It represents another chance. I used to say God is a God of a second chance, but I used up my second chance a long time ago. God is a God of "another" chance. As we face this New Year-this year of new beginnings, know that God is giving all of us another chance. Another chance to serve Him more. Another chance to be blessed and another chance to be a blessing to someone else. Another chance to stand up for justice and equality for all. Maybe 2007 was the best of times; maybe 2007 was the worst of times-but 2008 is another time and another chance. A friend of mine always says, "What's coming is better than what's been!" There is a line in a powerfully dramatic scene in The Color Purple. After a life of abuse and misuse, Celie says something like: "I may be black. I may be po' and I may be ugly-BUT I'M HERE!" My friend sometimes the best testimony you can give is, "after all I've been through, I'm still here!"
During this season of celebrating the birth of Christ, the rich heritage of African Americans and Kwanzaa, and the anticipation of a new year, it is also an opportunity for reflection.See the full content of this document
Extract
The Year of New Beginnings
So begins Charles Dickens' epic drama, A Tale of Two Cities. This reflective paradox might describe your evaluation of the year 2007. Dickers' observation certainly fits my assessment of this past year.
I chalked up 60 years of life,...See the full content of this document
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