Blog: A Time To Reflect

Amidst the Christmas hustle and bustle, we should always stop to reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas: Jesus coming to earth for our Salvation, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3: 16, ESV)

As the new year dawns, it’s also a good time to reflect on our lives with the Lord, and think prayerfully about what He did in 2025. In the previous blogs of this series, we talked about God’s upcoming plans for our lives and what we can do now to prepare.

Whenever we’re looking forward, I think it’s sometimes good to look back too, to reflect on all the things our generous Father has done to build us up to where we are now and where we think He wants us in the future - just like Mary did in her song (Luke 1: 46-55).

Remember that whatever God did for you this year, whether victories or trials, it was for a purpose. His word tells us so. Let's reflect on that with Him in prayer.

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3: 18, ESV)

Gratitude

Let's go to God with hearts of gratitude for all of His works in our lives! While we seek His guidance for the future, may we always pause to give Him thanks for all He has done and will do. And all that He is!

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name! For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations." (Psalm 100: 4-5)

Growth

So, how did 2025 prepare you for 2026? What did God do to grow and shape you?

Perhaps this week you could take some time to sit with Jesus and, as the Holy Spirit brings things to remembrance, make a list of all the things you're thankful for, and all He has done to grow and prepare you for what lies ahead.

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him." (Psalm 28: 7)

"I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds." (Psalm 9: 1)

God’s jigsaw

Sometimes when we look back, we see pieces of the puzzle that didn't make sense at the time, but we now see they're part of something that's forming in our lives.

Let's rejoice in the amazing things the Lord has done - and remember this for 2026, if ever things seem to not make sense.

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12: 28-29)

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." (James 1:17)

Our greatest encourager

As well as the big things God did this year, let's also bring to Him with thanks all of the smaller times when Jesus was right by our side: our Brother, Saviour, Friend.

Recall the ways He encouraged us, taught us, guided us, reminded us that He is present - whether words from His heart to ours, or the times He showed us He cares through little things like flowers or sunrises. Let's take time to quietly reflect on His goodness with a grateful heart.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15: 13)

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, Who forgives all your iniquity, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, Who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." (Psalm 103: 1-5)

A prayer

Father,

We give You thanks, from our hearts, for all that You are, all that You've done and all that You will do.

Thank You that You love us and care for us. Thank You that You work all things for our good. Thank You that You mold us and shape us, bless us abundantly as Your children, and that You, Jesus, stay by our sides through each and every moment.

We give You thanks for the year, as we step into the next one with You. Help us to always remember and rejoice in Your good works and in who You are, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We love You. Thank You for loving us.

Amen