January 2026
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:
The old has gone, the new is here!-2 Corinthians 5:17
Although you may be reading this in January, I am composing it on December 24, 2025. All the preparations for the Christmas Eve service are completed, and I am looking forward to reading the scriptures, saying our prayers together, and lighting our candles as we sing “Silent Night.”
During these busy seasons, we spend a lot of time looking forward, making preparations, thinking about what is to come. And at the beginning of the year, we are probably wondering what the future will bring. Perhaps you are making plans to make 2026 better than 2025. My daughter made a pretty cool “Bingo” card for herself at the start of 2025, and I’m proud to say that she checked off nearly every box!
But as helpful as reflecting on the past and thinking of the future may be, it is important that we do not get stuck in the dangerous areas of regret and anxiety. Both of these moods neglect the important truths that our God is gracious and omnipotent and present.
It’s not just on January 1, but every day that: “because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).” And in that wonderful verse from 2 Corinthians at the top of this devotion, Paul also emphasizes the newness of each moment with Christ.
I know very well how easy it is to get bogged down in the rubbish of our past mistakes and our uncertainty of the future. That’s why it’s so important to be still and remember God’s character and God’s promises. Otherwise we can get stuck in our own negative thoughts and limited perspectives. We see the backside of the tapestry; God is speaking to us of the beauty that is manifested in Christ.
There’s no need to anxiously wait by the mailbox or dig through the garbage; the new creation is already here. Jesus Christ is there at your door; in your house; with your family and friends; totally ready for the day. He extends a hand and invites your trust.
No, this is not always easy to remember. We have to PRACTICE the faith daily. But our coach is incredibly gracious, funny, wise, warm, understanding, and loving. What a friend we have in Jesus…
May you remember that Jesus didn’t merely arrive at Christmas to make a big splashy party, but remains present to us every new day. Let us take the journey, whatever 2026 holds, intentionally mindful of the present Jesus who can make all things new.
Thank you Jesus. And bless you, Church.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Matthew