"NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS"

John 1:10–18; Ephesians 1:3–14     01/04/2026

Beloved in Christ, A new year has begun. Hallelujah! As we step into 2026, people often ask one another, “What is your New Year’s resolution?” Maybe we resolve to exercise more, eat better, or manage time wisely. Those are good things.

But as God’s people, we are invited to ask a deeper question: How will we grow closer to God this year? My prayer for our church is that 2026 will be a year of deeper faith and better health—both spiritual and physical—so that our church may continue to grow for the glory of God and our lives enjoy God forever.

What is the gospel? The gospel is the good news that God loves the world and saves us through Jesus Christ-his life, death, and resurrection, so that we may be forgiven, redeemed, and given new life.

We have four gospels and the first three- Matthew, Mark, and Luke are often called the Synoptic Gospels. They show us Jesus walking among people—healing the sick, feeding the hungry, calming storms, and teaching crowds. We see Jesus fully human, sharing life with us.

And it is amazing to remember: Jesus did all of this as a human being. He even told his disciples, “You will do greater things than these,” because he would ascend to the Father and send the Holy Spirit.

But then we come to the fourth Gospel, the Gospel of John. John begins in a completely different way. He goes all the way back—before Bethlehem, before creation itself—and boldly declares: Jesus is God. There is no hesitation in John’s voice. Jesus is not merely a teacher or miracle worker. He is the Word made flesh. He is the Messiah. He is God with us.

That is why John’s Gospel is so powerful—for new believers and lifelong Christians alike. It answers the most important question of faith: Who is Jesus?

The Light Has Come into the World: John tells us, “All things came into being through him… In him was life, and the life was the light of all people” (John 1:3–4).

Jesus does not simply bring light. Jesus is the Light. When Jesus enters the world, it is like creation happening all over again. Light breaks into darkness. Life rises where death once ruled. Hope appears where despair once lived.

John says, “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world” (1:9). This light is for everyone—for those who are tired, confused, wounded, or searching. And here is the promise that shapes our new year: “To all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God” (1:12).

Through Christ, we are not only created—we are re-created. Not by our effort. Not by our success or failure. But by God’s grace.

An Illustration: Turning on the Light: Imagine waking up in the middle of the night. The room is dark. You know the furniture is there, but you cannot see it clearly. You move carefully, afraid you might bump into something or trip. Then you turn on the light.

Suddenly, nothing in the room has changed—but everything is different. You can see where you are. You know where to step. The darkness loses its power.

That is what Jesus does in our lives. He does not magically erase all our problems overnight. But when his light shines, we can finally see clearly—who God is, who we are, and where we are going.

Grace That Reveals and Heals: Light reveals truth. And sometimes, truth is uncomfortable. John tells us that some people loved darkness more than light because their deeds were hidden (John 3:19). Light exposes what we would rather keep concealed. But hear this good news: The light of Christ does not come to destroy us—it comes to heal us.

John says Jesus is full of grace and truth (John 1:14). His light shows us who we truly are—and then forgives us, restores us, and renews us. That is why Jesus can say, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

As we begin 2026, we do not need to fear the darkness around us—or within us. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (1:5).

Blessed and Chosen for God’s Purpose: The Apostle Paul echoes this good news in Ephesians: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing” (Eph. 1:3).

Before we made resolutions, God had a purpose. Before we acted, God chose us. Before we were strong, God loved us. We have been adopted as God’s children, redeemed by Christ, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. This is our identity—and it shapes who we are called to be as a church in 2026.

Jesus commands us, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Without this mission, the church loses its purpose. But when we live faithfully, God works powerfully through us.

Our 2026 Resolution as a Church: As we enter this new year, I invite us to commit to three faithful practices. First, cultivate a faith-filled and positive mind. Trust that God is at work. Avoid negativity that drains faith. Scripture reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).

Second, renew our commitment to worship. God seeks true worshipers. When worship is central, our lives are shaped by God’s presence and power.

Third, live out Christ’s love through genuine fellowship. In worship, God speaks to us. In fellowship, we live out what God has spoken. When we love one another, the world recognizes Christ among us.

Endure, Invest, and Shine: Beloved, do not grow weary in doing good. God calls us to invest our time, gifts, prayers, and resources in what truly matters. Jesus promises that what is given for the sake of the gospel will bear eternal fruit. So endure. Remain faithful. Keep shining the light of Christ.

As we enter 2026, may we live as children of the light—grounded in grace, united in purpose, and filled with hope. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).                                                May God renew us, revive us, and grow us—for the glory of Christ and the hope of the world. Amen.