Shining the Light of God’s Love in the New Year

After much pondering and serious deliberation, I at last settled on my personal Word of the Year for 2026 – Renewal. I wasn’t just thinking about renewal as it relates to a new year, but a long-term view as part of a recurring cycle in the rhythms of life with a healthy balance of work and rest. Without balance, work becomes toil, mindless repetition, or drudgery to avoid at all costs. My word choice was to intentionally focus on renewal through periods of contemplation, meditation, and reflection. For me, renewal begins with Epiphany.

Epiphany is not an observance common in our faith tradition, but my husband Glenn and I have long observed it to some extent in our home. I recall the times he would pick up the wise men in my mom’s large ceramic nativity display and move them with their camels to the far end of the room. He explained to my mom’s chagrin that the wise men didn’t visit the stable; they came from “afar.” Mom’s lack of amusement was eclipsed by my dad’s mischievous grin. I should note that Mom usually left those figures in their new location for the rest of the season – then the entire incident was replayed in the years that followed.

Seeing the Light

When I think of Epiphany, the first thing that comes to mind is light. There is, of course, the light of the star that the magi saw. But the light I think of is the metaphorical kind – the revelational light, the spiritual “a-ha” moments. This is the light that leads to change, perhaps to renewal. The light that is too good not to share!

I hold to a personal view that if you can’t see the light, be the light. It’s akin to something Jesus said:

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
—Matthew 5:14–15

How do we promote the idea of light in a world with so much darkness? I think we need to remind ourselves that Jesus did not come in the happiest of days – the people were waiting in despair, holding to hope that the promised Messiah would come to end all that was wrong in the world. They lived under Roman rule, and though they were allowed to practice their religion, it was at the cost of compliance to Rome’s edicts. Things were pretty dark when the star appeared in the east. But with the birth of Jesus, light dawned that would never be extinguished, though some would try – then and now.

For most of us, social media is a part of our work. Although filled with traps and potholes, it also has positive uses. I like to think of it as a public venue for being a beacon of joy and light. I’m not talking about religiosity or “God-talk,” but about chances to shed light on good things at a time when there seems to be very little good in our world. Coming off the holidays, I’m fully aware that for many it is a relief to have it all behind them. For some people, special occasions and events are not joy makers – every broken heart seems to hurt even more at what should be the most joyous of times.

Living in the Light

I’m sitting here right now looking at the Christmas tree across the room, asking myself if I should take it down. Why are we so quick to put away Christmas? We can’t wait to haul out the holly, put up the tree, string the lights, and enjoy the visual splendor of the holiday season, wanting it all displayed well before Advent’s first candle is lit. I recently received some sage advice from a retired pastor. Over the years, he and his wife left all the holiday decor on display well into January. Their reasoning was that they had exhausted themselves in extra ministry tasks throughout the season and had little time to slow down and fully reflect on the significance of the celebrations. I dare say those extra days brought them closer to the manger, and like the Magi, to a greater desire to fall on their knees in worship.

Years ago, we had problems scheduling the annual Christmas party for our adult choir. There were too many conflicts on the calendar. We offered the idea of an after-Christmas possibility. Everyone loved it, but no one wanted to keep their trees and decorations up that long. My husband and I agreed to host it in our home – trees, wreaths, candles, everything. The date chosen was January 6^th – an Epiphany party! It was a great event despite a torrential Georgia rainstorm, with our guests leaving their muddy shoes at the door – not exactly a winter wonderland. The choir members loved it, and some of them even learned about Epiphany for the very first time.

Sharing the Light

After the conclusion of Advent and Christmas, there is often a degree of letdown, followed by apathy and a desire to hibernate until spring – for musicians and congregants alike. How does one motivate singers and worshipers after those big events, especially if you are also struggling? Hopefully, there is a period of rest and renewal in late December and early January when the schedule is lighter. A mini-retreat for reflection and planning is a great idea – even if it is a few hours alone on your back porch! It doesn’t have to be long, just purposeful.

The first rehearsal in January should include some celebration of all that was accomplished in the previous year and a preview of plans to come. Allow volunteers to share favorite or meaningful holiday experiences or offer refreshments to foster a time of fellowship and team building. Ensemble members may not have seen one another for several weeks – they need a few moments to reconnect and catch up! Celebrate the addition of new or returning members by introducing each person. Allow a few moments for brief testimonials from a few seasoned or new participants. Share your own reflections and offer a word of encouragement and gratitude for each person present.

January is a great time to incorporate devotional prayer time and sharing of ministry needs within the ensemble. If you already have such a time, consider ways to make it more meaningful. You don’t have to be the one to plan and lead these times. Enlist volunteers to create a rotation to share the responsibilities – volunteer yourself to be on the schedule from time to time. Building community within the ensemble is a yearlong process that reaps long-term benefits for the entire group. This is true for groups of all ages, not only adults.

Highlight upcoming projects to build excitement and infuse energy into your weeks of preparation. It doesn’t have to be a large work, but perhaps a series of anthems or smaller works. One of the anthems we will be preparing for early February is a Psalm-based praise piece combining the adult, youth, and older children’s choirs. There is always something invigorating about joining voices across generations. Inviting the entire congregation to join in part of the anthem increases the energy in a beautiful worship moment lifting voices of every age!

I like to provide a calendar for the upcoming months – one for physical distribution and of course a digital version to be sent to all concerned, especially parents of children and youth. Include answers to the big questions everyone wants to know – dates, times, titles, extra rehearsals, and so on. Include the calendar continually in every communication, updating it regularly to keep it in front of all who need to know the details. I also share the calendar with leaders outside our music team to make them aware and help eliminate conflicts with dates and times.

Keeping the Light

What a gift and responsibility we have been given as we lead and direct the groups that stand or sit before us week after week! Yes, mastering the music is crucial, but we have the added opportunity to nurture the spiritual needs of these musicians who will then shine their light through the gifts they offer in worship each week. In each chair of our ensembles are individuals who may be lonely, hurt, anxious – or possibly even celebrating good news this week. Many of their concerns are needs we can meet through caring words and kind actions. If they can’t see the light this week, perhaps we can be the light of Christ for them. There’s a good chance that at some point along the way, they will also be Christ’s light for us.

Jesus said it best: “You are the light of the world.”