New Year! New Jesus?
“See, I am making all things new.”- Revelation 21:5
Happy New Year! If you are like me, you just made peace with the fact it was indeed 2025. I hope I can remember to write 2026 on checks by June. Time marches steadily forward. Now we welcome the beginning of a new year. Where are you seeking newness or renewal? What are you excited to begin?
As the church, in these early days of January we wrap up celebrating the 12 days of Christmas until Epiphany on January 6. While Christmas often gets the spotlight, Epiphany is an important season. Epiphany is a season of light and revelation. While Christmas announces the birth of Jesus, Epiphany reveals a deeper and fuller picture of Jesus’ identity and ministry. Who is Jesus our Christ? The season of Epiphany seeks to show us.
In worship during Epiphany, we will read stories which reveal Jesus’ identity at a deeper level. These stories include Jesus’ baptism, Jesus calling his disciples, and Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. On the one hand, these are the same stories we read three years ago. Jesus is the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. On the other hand, Jesus promises to make all things new. As we encounter Jesus in a new season in our life, we might find new comfort or challenge from Jesus. In all new seasons, we turn to Christ to lead us toward God’s reign of grace and serving our neighbor.
Throughout 2026, we will be reading from Matthew’s Gospel in worship. I invite the season of Epiphany to be a time for you to spend time in God’s Word, to explore more deeply who Jesus is. Matthew’s Gospel has 28 chapters. I encourage you to read one chapter a day this month. As you read these sacred stories, what is the Holy Spirit teaching you about Jesus? In what new ways and to what new places is Jesus calling his disciples to serve and share the Good News? Drop your Bible next to your nightstand or coffee pot, wherever you can’t miss it. The light of Epiphany shows us Jesus.
Blessed New Year!
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