Dear Editor,

In just a matter of days we will bid farewell to 2024 and cross over into 2025 — God willing.

After the festivities are over — the family reunions, eating, concerts, and merriment, etc — it is time to close another Roman calendar year with retrospection and position our minds to welcome a new chapter, which many already consider will be a big year.

For many people, similar to horoscope or Cash Pot and Lucky5, numbers play a critical role in their forecast. The year 2024 was a significant one for many, and 2025 will be of even greater importance to them. But what’s in the number 25?

Twenty-five marks the quarter of a century. It is a big deal! In the marital circle, it is referred to as silver anniversary. That’s a long time to spend with another person, through ups and downs, thick and thin, and joy and sorrow. Turning 25 years old is also an important stage in life’s journey. Many young people have some critical decisions to make. Many have some pressing questions for which they need answers. But with a steady mind and meaningful support, they should be able to navigate this crossroads.

The number 25 is a call to change. In this context, it is a call to prioritise purpose. All your actions should align with the real purpose of life. Are you walking in your divine manifestation? Many have become comfortable where they are because their income pays the bills and they have got accustomed to their work routine. However, it does not equate to them fulfilling their God-given mandate. You have to be intentional about your purpose.

Indubitably, there will be obstacles and uncertainties, but you have to rise above those. You have to embrace change. Adopting that posture will help you to grow and become a better person professionally and socially.

As you evolve, you will need to choose people who are willing to help you push further to meet your objectives. Not everyone is happy with progress. Some people do not want you to surpass them. While some will celebrate with and encourage you, others will seek out for your downfall. Therefore, be discerning; trust your inner wisdom and intuition. Keep your friendship circle small and only entertain people who have earned your trust.

From a biblical perspective, the number 25 also bears much weight. Traditionally, the Levites started their priestly duties at age 25 (Numbers 8:24); Jesus demonstrates His love and concern for the poor in Matthew 25:31-46; and Abraham waited 25 years before the promised child Isaac was born. Abraham was 75 when the Lord told him that he and Sarah would bear a child. Although Ishmael was born before through Hagar their servant, Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac came (Genesis 21:5).

This latter story of Isaac is familiar to many within the Christian religion, especially as Abraham has been described as the father of faith (Galatians 3:6-9). However, it was through grace that Abraham and Sarah eventually begot Isaac after having disbelieved God initially that they would conceive in their senior years.

In the Bible, 20 means redemption and five means grace; thus, 25 symbolises grace multiplied. I speak not as a prophet; however, many will agree with me that their crossing over into 2025 will be a profound manifestation of grace upon grace. John Newton’s hymn
Amazing Grace is quite appropriate to quote at this juncture: “Through many dangers, toils, and snare I have already come. ‘Twas grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.”

But it is not a grace to take for granted. It is a grace that should propel us to become more like Jesus, leaving old, sinful habits in 2024 and embracing righteousness, love, forgiveness, and empathy in 2025.

As we look forward to 2025, numerous opportunities are on the horizon. It is a time to challenge yourself. Take the limits off your abilities. Launch out in the deep. Start that project you always dreamt of doing, further your studies, or take on a new skill. Get more financially literate. Invest in passive-income generators. Build your network. Strategise for homeownership. Take a trip to somewhere new. Update your curriculum vitae (CV) and apply for that role you always wanted. Surprise yourself!

But our opportunities are not limited to materialistic things. Invest in mindfulness. Read and expand your reasoning abilities. Build your faith in God. Commit to a closer walk with Christ. Give of your service to others to make their lives better. Let us manifest the mantra: We have become to help others become!

While we reflect on the number 25, let us bear in mind that people experience different times and seasons. Any day or moment can serve as a fresh start for you. But in everything, may we ask the Lord to “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

Oneil Madden

maddenoniel@yahoo.com