A Brilliant Way to Shine

We are soon approaching the end of 2025. A new year is just around the corner. Ann Frank once wrote, “What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet.” As we step into 2026, our hearts are filled with hope. New Years’ eve often encourages us to make resolutions. What will this new year bring for us? More importantly, what changes might we make to live our best lives and do the most good?

            Our church calendar starts the new year with the Feast of Epiphany. This celebration marks the story of the Wise Men following the star in search of Jesus. In Matthew 2: 9-10 we are told:

they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.

Epiphany reflects the light that comes from Jesus. In John 4-5 it states, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” The definition of epiphany refers to a manifestation of a divine or supernatural being, but it also can be used to describe a moment of sudden revelation or insight. As we open our hearts to God, we begin to see the world with new eyes and understanding. We are led by his light.

The world longs for hope and needs God’s light more than ever. We live during a time that has become dim with the brokenness of the world. War, hunger, injustice, violence, homelessness, illness, and intolerance have plagued this world for too long. As I write these words my thoughts are silenced by the sounds of sirens coming from the neighboring firehouse down the street. Moments of darkness touch each of our lives yet the light of Christ is within each of us and available to share freely to others. Through the light we are able to see not only the pain inflicted by circumstance but also ways in which we can help. 

A new year marks a new drawing board of possibilities. Author T.S. Elliot stated, “Every moment is a fresh beginning”. How might you shine more brilliantly in 2026? I’ll end with a few verses from Isaiah 60:1-2, 4a-5 for inspiration: 

Arise, shine; for your light has come,

and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.

 For darkness shall cover the earth,

and thick darkness the peoples;

but the LORD will arise upon you,

and his glory will appear over you.

Lift up your eyes and look around;

 Then you shall see and be radiant;

your heart shall thrill and rejoice…

God bless,

Rev. Julie Sterling