Israelite greeting: “Christ blessed you happy Sabbath”
Mentioned several names and communities/groups joining the call
Introduction to the lecture addressing cold weather in New York (8 degrees)
Focus on feeling of cold, stray cat, and prayers for safety
Main Lecture: Pagan Origins and Critique of New Year’s Celebrations
Critique of New Year's Traditions
Condemned the celebration of Christmas and New Year’s as pagan rituals
New Year’s traditions like wearing hats, watching the ball drop, and making resolutions are unnecessary and misleading
Pointed out that people act irrationally like searching and enduring cold just for the ball drop
Origins discussed: Times Square ball drop started in 1904, and first descent in 1907 by Adolf Ochs
Critique of historical and pagan origins of the ball drop and general fascination with it
Research and Historical Background
Discussed the history of ball drops, with origins tracing back to England’s Royal Observatory and its significance in maritime navigation
1833 time ball dropped in Greenwich for captains to set their chronometers
Biblical Perspective: When the Year Begins
Biblical Evidence Against January 1st New Year
Exodus 12:1-2: God declared Passover month as the beginning of the year
Passover marks the actual New Year, which happens in spring, not winter
Explained the timing and significance of Passover in Exodus 12 and 13
Exodus 13:3: Emphasis on remembering The Exodus from Egypt as the primary event marking the New Year
Deuteronomy 16:1: Month of Abib (spring) as the actual first month
Zondavan Bible Dictionary confirms Abib as the first month around March/April
Commentary on Modern Practices
Criticism of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Spirit
These celebrations induce a fake spirit, a temporary facade of goodwill
Critique of societal behaviors: people are temporarily amiable then resume usual conduct
Called for authenticity in interactions and avoiding superficial celebrations
Call to Return to Biblical Observances
Advocate for observing Passover and abandoning pagan-influenced holidays
Use specific scriptural references to outline required observances and rebuke present-day distortions
Discussion of Global Calendar Changes
Gregorian calendar (used worldwide) introduced October 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII, replaced Julian calendar
Julian calendar initiated by Julius Caesar; had inaccuracies corrected by Gregory
Discussed leap year rules and calendar drift
Importance of understanding these changes and their non-biblical origins
Recharge for Action
Emphasis on understanding the evil in engaging worldly festivals
Encouragement to make informed, scripture-based decisions
Cited examples from history and biblical records showing the importance of adhering to God's delineation of time
End of Year Ethical and Spiritual Reflection
Wake-up Call to Adhere to True Practices
Preparedness for Christ's second coming and alignment with God’s intentions
Recognition of God's provision and proper observance of holy events
Prioritizing God’s will over worldly traditions and maintaining purity in practices
Q&A Session
Addressed various questions regarding biblical interpretations, holiday practices, and health concerns (e.g., proper giving, avoiding pagan holidays, Old Testament references), encouraging followers to adhere to the given teachings more strictly
Emphasis on traditions of helping the church community
Closing
The lecture ends with gratitude towards the participants and emphasizing the importance of continued learning and abandoning non-biblical traditions.