As we continue to bask in the good news that God is with us and among us, celebrated so well at Christmas, we now enter a new year.
I read a devotion recently in which the author said that each new year she chooses a word to focus on throughout the year. Last year her word was “Wonder” and she spent time stopping “to smell the roses” so to speak. She took extra time to notice and give thanks to God for the wonder and beauty of creation and the wonder and beauty to be found each day within our daily routines.
This year she has chosen the word “Welcome”. In a world where it seems people are becoming more divided, she wants to focus on being welcoming, not only to her friends and family, but also to the stranger. I like her habit of finding a word to provide emphasis for each new year. I’m going to put this into practice for 2026 and beyond.
I’m writing this iteration of Friday Followings on Wednesday, December 31st, New Year’s Eve. I personally have two or three words in mind for my 2026 focus but will narrow it down to one by midnight tonight before the calendar turns.
How about you? Can you think of a “Word for 2026” that could encapsulate at least a portion of your intentional emphasis this year? It certainly doesn’t have to be a “religious” word, yet I’m certain it will reflect your faith in God in some way, shape, or form. For those who choose a word, I’d love to hear what it is.
Happy New Year, Gloria Dei. May you be blessed this year, knowing you have a loving God who walks with you into the future, just as God walks with this congregation into the future God has for us together.
See you in worship,
Pastor Tim
