33The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
This is a new year. We celebrate 2026, which is how many years after the birth of Christ? We anticipate what will be ahead. Maybe this is a time folks make resolutions of goals and dreams they hope to come. Top of the list of most people is to lose weight. I have had too many years of failures to meet those goals, but this time I reached it!! Not much to brag about, but I’ll take it as a win. This is the time gym membership is at the highest. Exercise and reducing food intake are still the basic steps to achieving these goals.
What about goals for your spiritual health? The ingredients involve personal time with the Lord in devotions, including daily Bible reading and prayer. These have become habits of mine for years. Unfortunately, too often it may be a check off progress of the daily goal, but fall short of a heartfelt relationship with my Lord.
I pray for my family, work (in my case responsibilities), church, and witness to those who are unsaved. I am often asked to pray for others and their needs.
What would God have me be? What would God have me do? What lies ahead for me in 2026? What are the steps needed to reach those goals? What sins and temptations need to be faced and overcome? Simeon shared heavy stuff for Mary and Joseph. These are the first words in the New Testament which point to the crucifixion, Jesus dying on the cross as His mother would watch the suffering Messiah. Those are heavy words for a young mother who nine months earlier was given the wonderful news of giving birth to the Messiah.
Christians throughout the world continue to be persecuted because they claim His name. Satan still seeks to attack Jesus by attacking His followers. We need daily submission to Him and His truth in Scriptures and prayer.
Many are not permitted to celebrate Christmas or review the story of His advent and nativity. Many must keep their faith secret and make their prayers and praise from jail cells quietly. On the other hand, we can celebrate and proclaim His truth openly. Will that make a difference to you in 2026?
Prayer: Lord, guide me in this new year to be closer to you! Amen
Dale
