Numbers 6:22-27
22 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 23 Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them,
24 The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
27 So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.
24 The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
This a great way to begin the new year. Called the Aaronic blessing after Aaron, Moses’ brother and the first priest of Israel, it offers a rich and beautiful benediction for the year past and invocation for the new year. Just to recite the words aloud (which I encourage) provides us with a message of hope and peace. It encapsulates the graciousness of God and promise of God’s presence in our lives and in our world.
In many churches, it is spoken by the priest or pastor as the final blessing (Benediction) upon the people. As the community stands and receives the words, the powerful gift of God’s blessing reigns down from heaven. Together, as one, those assembled feel the mighty hand of God touch their lives, prepare them to go back into the world, and sent them forth as followers of Jesus.
As this new year begins, hear these words of blessing, hope, and peace:
Prayer: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor, and give you peace. Amen.