Ponder: How Can I Carry The Light Of Christ Into The New Year Ahead?
Scripture To Consider: You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. -Matthew 5:14-16
Tom's Response:
God has blessed us all with different temperments, talents and convictions. Some of us may be adept at inviting people to church; some may be great at praying in front of a large or small group; and some live their lives with such joy that it draws others to them (believers and non-believers). John 4 is a chapter about Jesus' interaction with a Samaritan woman and a discussion with his disciples about the harvest of eternal life. What I enjoy about this story is how quickly the Samaritan woman returned to her town and brought her friends back to meet Jesus. In a short time, this woman shared the light of Christ, and the Samaritans put their faith in Jesus.
In the past, I have used my talents to start a small group, mentor a young man with no family, help build our church, and assist Karen with PrayerBowls. I really do not have a plan for 2026. I do believe I can do the things that keep me close to Jesus. Spend time with the Bible or study each morning, eat well, exercise, and make family/friends a priority. There are definitely things I should avoid to keep me close to Jesus - cut down on self defeating behavior. When you're close to Him, there is more joy. You can never go wrong showing joy. That joy in Him is the best way to carry the light.
Mary Ann's Response:
As I ponder how to carry the light of Christmas into the new year, I reflect on Jesus' words: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” In the new year, I want to remember to express gratitude and to be more mindful of my words to others. Proverbs 16:24 “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and hearing to the bones.”
This begins with- not just feeling thankful, but intentionally expressing and speaking it out loud. I want to be more mindful about saying “thank you” especially in the ordinary moments of life. It may be as simple as within my own family, pausing to thank my husband for his help or acknowledging my adult children when they do something nice for me, even if it’s something small. These are moments that can easily be taken for granted, yet they are opportunities to let God’s light shine to let them know my appreciation. I also feel it is important to make a conscious effort to extend that same gratitude - to the grocery store checkout person, waitstaff or anyone I cross paths with during the day.
Along with saying thank you, I want to make a conscious effort to offer a sincere compliment or a word of encouragement to people I encounter during the day. Taking notice and being aware of something good, acknowledging someone’s kindness, or simply complimenting their clothes, hair, etc. Though these gestures are small and will not change the world, they may make someone's day a little brighter and I feel it is important to make a difference in lifting the hearts of others.
By remembering to express thankfulness, kindness, and encouragement in simple, intentional ways, I hope to carry the light of Christmas into the year ahead and reflect God’s love through everyday words and actions.
Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Karen's Response:
One of my favorite moments each year is on Christmas Eve, the music of Silent Night begins, the lights in the sanctuary are dimmed, our pastor tips a candle to receive light from the Christ candle, and then that light is shared from one candle to the next until everyone holds the light of Christ. This beautiful event reminds me that the light of Christ was never meant to be kept to ourselves. In the coming year, my hope is to be a good steward of the light of Christ.
Jesus tells us in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
In Ephesians 5:8, we are called to actively live out the light we have received. “Live as children of light.”
And in 2 Corinthians 4:6, we are told that God made his light shine in our hearts.
Reading these scriptures reminds me that, as a Child of God, the light of Jesus has been given to me; and as a follower of Jesus, I have the responsibility to carry it, shine it out into the world, and gladly share it with others. In 2026, I am going to imagine that I am carrying my Christmas Eve candle out into the world and, each day, ask myself how I am being asked to pass Jesus, the light of the world, on to others.
