Category: Happy New Year!

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Happy New Year!

For January 1, 2026
A wide range of emotions surrounds the New Year. As the clock strikes midnight, many celebrate with joy and anticipation. For these individuals, a new year feels full of promise. But others carry sorrow, regret, or uncertainty into the days ahead. For them, the turning of the calendar is a reminder of what was lost or left unfinished.

The New Year is more than a change in dates—it is an invitation to turn our hearts toward the One who makes all things new. Each passing year reminds us of this extraordinary truth: history itself is centered on one Person—Jesus Christ. The Scriptures declare:

And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.
Colossians 1:17 (NKJV)

Our calendar reflects this reality. The Gregorian Calendar, adopted in 1582 to correct the drift of the earlier Julian Calendar, numbers each year from the birth of Jesus Christ.

The designation B.C. marks the time before His birth, while the years since are known as Anno Domini (A.D.), meaning “in the year of our Lord.” Today this is also called the Common Era (C.E.), but regardless of the name, the reference point remains the same—Jesus Christ stands at the center of human history.

As we enter 2026, we acknowledge that more than two thousand years have passed since the birth of Jesus (though many scholars place His actual birth around 4 B.C.). No other human figure has shaped the world so profoundly. No other life has transformed so many hearts, and no other name provides what every human soul urgently needs: forgiveness, peace, purpose, and eternal life.

Only Jesus Christ can reconcile a sinful humanity to a holy God. We cannot fix ourselves, erase our guilt, or earn God’s favor through good intentions and moral effort. But God, in His mercy, has done for us what we could never do for ourselves.

      • Jesus perfectly obeyed God’s Law for us, something we couldn’t do ourselves.
      • By dying on the cross, he made the ultimate sacrifice, suffering the penalty we deserved for our sins.
      • His resurrection showed a complete victory over sin and death.
      • Upon His ascension to heaven, He intercedes on our behalf and promises a glorious return.

Salvation is not achieved by our works—it is received by our faith in His works. When we turn from trusting ourselves and place our trust in Jesus Christ alone, God forgives us, makes us new creatures, and gives us eternal life.

Here is what the Word of God declares:

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.    Ephesians 2:4—10 (NKJV)

Jesus extends this invitation to every weary heart:

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.      Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)

The year 2025 was hard for many. Perhaps you were disappointed by others. Or your plans fell apart. Maybe you feel tired, empty, or uncertain about the future. If so, hear this clearly: Jesus Christ is not finished with you.

      • People may disappoint, but He will not.
      • You can weaken, but His strength is eternal.
      • The past can trouble you, but His grace is greater than your past.

This new year can be more than a change on the calendar. It can mark the dawn of a new life where the Lord will never abandon or forsake you.

I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:20b (NKJV)

If you will turn to Jesus Christ, by repenting of your sin and trusting Him fully, He promises forgiveness, freedom, purpose, and a joy that no power on earth can steal, and He guarantees an eternal life of peace with God.

When our New Year’s resolutions begin not with self-effort but with surrender to Christ, God does a work in us that no resolution ever could. Only then can we truly experience a very Happy New Year.

Jesus Christ is calling you today. Won’t you give Him your heart and experience new life forever?

What a Wonderful Savior!                                                                   

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Truly a New Year!

For January 1, 2025
Around the world, people gather each New Year to celebrate with dazzling fireworks, breathtaking light shows, and joyful festivities. From the iconic Times Square Ball drop in New York to the stunning displays at Sydney’s Harbour Bridge and the shores of Copacabana Beach in Rio, these celebrations capture our universal longing for hope and new beginnings.

But what if the renewal we long for goes deeper than resolutions and celebrations? What if the true promise of the New Year lies not in turning the page of a calendar, but in experiencing the life-changing power of spiritual rebirth through Jesus Christ?

Every New Year reminds us of how we mark time itself: the years are numbered since the birth of Jesus Christ, the most important person in human history.

His birth was so significant it became the dividing line of history, ushering in what we call Anno Domini or “the Year of our Lord.” Although scholars place Jesus’ actual birth around 4 B.C., today we commemorate 2,025 years since His coming into the world.

His advent isn’t just a historical footnote; it’s a moment for reflection. Jesus didn’t come merely to split history into before and after. He came to transform sin-broken, human lives, by offering us a fresh start that only He can provide, as He promises in John 3:3 (NLT):

I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.

What does it mean to be born again? It’s not just a metaphor. It’s a complete spiritual transformation. Through Christ, we become new persons—literally. Because He takes away our sin, and gives us a new, holy beginning, as 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) declares:

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun.

While many approach the New Year by setting resolutions; seeking wealth, fame, or success; Jesus offers us something far greater: eternal life, hope, peace, and a relationship with God that satisfies the deepest longings of our hearts. Because external success will never fully satisfy us; only Jesus Christ can transform us from the inside out and give us the joy, purpose, and fulfillment God created us to experience.

This is the heart of the Gospel message: God’s love for us. In John 3:16-17 (NLT), Jesus declares:

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

This incredible gift of salvation is freely offered to you today. When you hear the Gospel and understand that God loves you and longs for a relationship with you, everything changes.

By turning from sin and turning to Christ by faith as your Lord and Savior, you can receive the new and abundant life He promises. Moreover, His Spirit will live in you, preserving, guiding, and empowering you to live the life He created you to live … one day at a time closer to His glorious return!

This new life doesn’t guarantee wealth or fame, but it brings something far greater: a complete renewal of the heart. When Jesus transforms you, the old life, with all its guilt, shame, and brokenness, is replaced by a new life filled with peace, joy, and purpose.

It’s a transformation the world cannot offer but that God promises to everyone who believes in Him.

As we embark on this New Year 2025, I pray that you will know the love of God and the new life found in Christ. Won’t you trust Him today and let this mark the start of your new life? The new beginning you’ve been searching for is found in Jesus.

What a Wonderful Savior!

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Still Counting … Still Waiting!

For January 1, 2024
The captivating message of Jesus Christ, delivered over two thousand years ago, continues to touch hearts and transform lives today:

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest!” Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

Our faith in the Lord leads to fulfillment and complete satisfaction, as we are forever reconciled with God.

The Scriptures attest to our obstinacy, pride, and disobedience—often with impunity. Yet God, who is rich in mercy, with His great love for us … while we were yet sinners, sent Christ to die for us. (See: Ephesians 2:1-5)

We can begin 2024 with a fresh start by putting our faith in Jesus Christ. For only He can make “all things new,” and supply us with everlasting peace and total freedom, which our sin-cursed world cannot offer (See: 2 Corinthians 5:17, John 8:36; 14:27)

Jesus creates new hearts inside His new people who are still counting the days until the glorious return He promised us:

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14:1-3 (NLT)

Won’t you begin 2024 with Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, and let Him change your life forever?

What a Wonderful Savior!

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Glory to God in the Highest!

For December 25, 2023
Nothing out of the ordinary happened on that particular evening when the shepherds were preparing for the long night ahead of them. But as they were settling into the quiet of that silent, starry night, while watching over their flock—it happened.

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:9-14 (NKJV)

The shepherds rushed to Bethlehem and found Jesus with Mary and Joseph in the manger, just as the angels had said. With great excitement, they went about spreading the news that the long awaited Messiah; Christ our Savior and Lord had been born. Truly, now will be a time for peace on earth and goodwill toward men; glory to God in the highest!

God so loved the world that He gave us the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, so that “whosoever will” can have the forgiveness of sin, peace with God, and eternal life by virtue of our faith in His death and resurrection. In addition, now that we are certain of our peace with God, we can also manifest peace and goodwill towards one another. In other words, since God forgives us, shouldn’t we forgive others too?

Psalm 118:22-23 (NKJV) reads, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.”

If human beings were responsible for our salvation, only a privileged few would obtain it. I’m glad that it’s incumbent upon God’s grace and our faith in Christ redeeming work on our behalf to secure it forever.

Won’t you give the Lord your heart and experience His glory, peace, and forgiveness today? He can change your life forever.

Glory to God in the highest. Let there be peace on earth and goodwill toward all humans everywhere through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen!

What a Wonderful Savior!   

And Happy Birthday, Jesus!

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Jesus Christ: Son of Man and Son of God

For January 15, 2023
To think of Jesus Christ as Son of Man is not much of a stretch because historical records verify His life, ministry, and existence. We can know that He walked the earth for about thirty-three years with the same human wants, needs, and aspirations we all share. He slept, ate, drank, wept, and was tempted. He experienced joy, anger, sadness, pain, hunger, thirst, anger, and love. He became grief stricken, fatigued, and was lonely.

What set Him apart was that He did not succumb to the temptations that arise from sin, the self, or Satan. Instead, He lived a completely balanced life of moral and spiritual excellence at all times. He submitted Himself to the will of His Father and satisfied all the requirements of God’s Law—He was perfect!

Understanding Jesus as Son of God becomes less of a problem when we acknowledge His being morally and spiritually perfect as an attribute of deity or as a reflection of God’s holiness. In this context, the “perfection” and “mastery” components of His life and ministry make perfect sense. Because Jesus embodied God in human flesh,

Thus, He could impose His will over His creation by silencing the raging storm, walking on the turbulent sea, turning water into wine, feeding the multitudes with two small fish and five loaves of bread, healing the sick, raising the dead, and performing countless other miraculous works that verified His claims to be God in human flesh.

John the Apostle addresses the deity of Christ in the first chapter of his gospel,

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 (NIV)

Then he further adds,

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (NIV)

God became human and made His home among us. It is humanly impossible to understand and explain the mysteries of God, including the intricacies of His Incarnation. God has the authority to conceal or disclose anything He so chooses (Proverbs 25:2).

Yet He revealed His divine, redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, the only Son of God. All that God requires is our faith in Christ to receive His gracious gift. Today, we can acknowledge Christ as Savior and Lord and receive the blessings associated with God’s promises to save all those who believe and confess Jesus Christ,

But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:6-10 (NIV)

Jesus Christ is both the Son of God and the Son of Man. He is the perfect Mediator between God and humanity to reconcile anyone anywhere with God.

Through His reconciliation, we can have complete forgiveness of sin, spiritual transformation, and eternal life. All He requires is our faith in His perfect work on the cross. Won’t you trust in Christ today and let Him change your life forever?

What a Wonderful Savior!

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