Romans believe, their oldest calendar was instituted by their legendary founder Romulus. Around the year 713 BC, the months, Ianuarius and Februarius were added by Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome; however they were originally placed at the end of the year as the last two months. March was the first month of the year, and the calendar year had only ten months in all. (July and August were later added by Caesar’s, Julius and Augustus). Years later after the reign of the kings of Rome, newly elected Emperor, Julius Caesar decided in 46 BC to move the start of the calendar from the beginning of March to the beginning of January.
As the last month of the year in the original Roman calendar, the Roman month Februarius was named after the Latin term februum, which means “purification,” via the purification ritual Februa held on February 15 (full moon) in the old lunar Roman calendar. For the Romans, at the end of every year purification is needed to begin anew. As we look at the month of February for us today in the year 2017, my prayer for you is to think of the ways in which your life is in need of purification. Is the looming tax season and the pressure of financial burden weighing on you? Purify the way you spend and save. Are old hurts between friends or loved ones causing you to be bitter? Purify your relationships through forgiveness and reconciliation. Are the winter months getting you down? Purify yourself through the love and charity of those around you and those in your church. Most of all, find purity for your soul through the only one we can say was ever pure: our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This February with so many things going on in your life remember that you are already pure in Christ! “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18 May you experience the Love and Purity of Christ this February, Pastor Aaron B Boerst Comments are closed.
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