“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
As the Christmas lights and decorations get taken down and the quiet of winter begins to
settle in, we all find ourselves at the threshold of a new year. The wonderful joy of
celebrating Christ’s birth gives way to reflection on what it means for us moving forward.
We should all take a moment to consider what moving forward looks like. Dream about
what it means for your life that Jesus came to make you a new creation. As we turn the
page of the calendar, one truth must remain at the heart of everything: the child in the
manger is the same Savior who leads us into every tomorrow.
In celebrating Jesus’ birth, we celebrate the ultimate new beginning. His coming into the
world not only changed human history – He changes us personally. The New Year invites us
to set goals and make plans, but it also calls us to renew our hearts in Christ. Instead of
making resolutions that are driven by self-effort alone, we can seek to align our desires with
God’s will and allow the Holy Spirit to shape our direction.
Perhaps the question to ask is not merely “What do I want to do this year?” but “How can
Christ be glorified in what I do this year?” When Jesus is at the center of our focus – our
work, relationships, and aspirations – our paths become illuminated with purpose that goes
beyond human achievement. The same Savior born in Bethlehem continues to be
Emmanuel, God with us, walking through every season of our lives.
So, as we bid farewell to Christmas and step into a new year, may our hearts carry the
message of the manger with us: God came near, and He is still near. Let every goal, every
plan, and every hope begin with the One whose birth brought light to the world and new
life to all who believe.
