At a wedding banquet in Cana of Galilee, Jesus changed water into rich wine. From the biblical record of this miracle (John 2:1-11), social drinkers happily deduce that partying with alcohol is perfectly permissible on special occasions such as weddings and New Year’s Eve celebrations. It is only habitual drunkenness that Christians must avoid.

      This deduction, though, stands on shaky ground. The Greek word oinos (in the NT trans. “wine”) describes three different beverages. Fresh grape juice is oinos. Must, a grape drink not yet fermented, is oinos. And, of course, fermented grape drink is oinos. Jesus miraculously turned water into one of these three beverages. But which one?

      The biblical record leaves this question unanswered. The thoughtful Christian must decide for himself what is consistent with the Lord’s character and teaching. The scriptures present Jesus as a man perfectly pure and above reproach. Does his contributing alcohol to a drinking party enhance or tarnish this picture?

      Jesus warned his disciples to “take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare” Luke 21:34). And his apostles sternly denounced drinking parties and drunkenness (Rom. 13:13, Gal. 5:19-21, Eph. 5:18, 1 Pet. 4:3). Would the Lord who gave these warnings furnish an abundance of alcohol to a drinking party, knowing full well that his example might tempt others to lose self-control or even their eternal life?

      Peter urged his readers to “keep sane and sober for your prayers” (1 Pet. 4:7). Great idea! Praying in the new year is far better than drinking it in.