Unwrapped

For many, Christmas 2025 is just a memory by now. The tree has been taken down, the decorations have been put away, and the unwrapped presents are in use. These presents have made us glad, and hopefully, will do so for a long time. It is good to remember what others have done for you and to be grateful.

Psalm 103:2 says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” After this encouragement, the psalmist lists some of these benefits: forgiveness, healing, redemption, steadfast love, mercy, satisfaction with good things, and renewal. These are just some of the benefits that God bestows upon His children. Let us remember them always and offer God the praise that is due to Him.

Rejoice and Be Glad

I expect that the celebrations of the new year will continue far into the night. I hope to be sleeping, as I am not one to revel in a new year. The celebrations will be boisterous and loud, no doubt, as people welcome in the new and say goodbye to the old.

Isaiah 65:17-18 says, “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create.” A new year begins tomorrow and we look forward to new adventures. But a greater beginning awaits us. As those who have been made new creations in Christ, we look forward to God’s creation of a new earth and new heaven, where suffering disappears forever. Our celebration will not last for a day, but rather we will be glad and rejoice forever.

Believed on in the World

We choose to believe on many things during our lifetimes. Some of them are life changing and others fade away over time and experience. We often seek to believe in a higher truth that elevates us to life altering ways of living. That truth is the gospel of Jesus Christ, who offers salvation, redemption, and eternal life to those who believe.

I Timothy 3:16 says, “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” This is the gospel message of salvation in Jesus Christ. We believe these truths and proclaim this life giving message to the world.

Changing Our Minds

How many times during a single day, would you estimate that you change your mind about some specific plan? I don’t know about you, but some days, I feel like I am constantly changing my mind and bringing chaos into my life. We can’t foresee all the things that will impact our plans so we find the need to change them along with these impacts.

Job 23:13-14 says, “But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does. For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind.” When God formed you, He had many plans and purposes in mind for you. He will not change these purposes, and He will complete them.

The Loneliest Place On Earth

We attend church regularly. We have lived many different places and have gone to many different churches. I have noticed that church can be the loneliest place on earth. Oh, most churches make the appropriate efforts to appear friendly and welcoming. But spend some time in the church and you may find that most of these efforts are superficial with parking spots for visitors, welcome announcements from the stage, and friendly greeters at the door. However, if people return to the church, they are largely ignored. It is hard for the newcomer to become involved, because friendships and ministries are already firmly established. As an introvert, I find it especially difficult to develop relationships in this environment.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Our faith is not a spectator sport, where you just go to church and observe. Our faith is a shared experience of encouraging one another and stimulating each other to love and to do good works. We must become truly welcoming to newcomers, making special efforts to let them into our existing relationships and ministries.