3 Ways to Shine Christ's Light in the New Year
Monday, January 12, 2026 by Melissa McLaughlin

By Melissa McLaughlin

An Unmistakable Light

Crisp winter wind brushed my cheek. I tugged on my fuzzy scarf and pulled my coat closer. My husband and I picked up the pace. Gravel crunched under our feet as we headed to the car, carrying our purchases from the farm market.

My husband piled the bags in the trunk, and we scooted into the vehicle. The doors slammed, my husband started the engine, and warm air rushed toward us. We melted into the seats, grateful for a heater and protection from the wind.

While we drove home, the sun set low on the horizon. I gazed out the window. Flickers of faint light peeked through the bare brown woods. Dusky colors of dormancy dulled the landscape—every shade of brown, tan, and gray. Lifeless and dark.

Suddenly, a tiny glimmer came into view. My eyes squinted.

Through the drab trees and barren brush, a small house glowed on the hillside. A leftover Christmas star, hanging high near the chimney, sparkled through the shadows.

In the dim and murky evening, bursting through the bleak trees, the simple light shone. Not flashy, not dramatic, but unmistakable.

My heart warmed. “It doesn’t take much,” I smiled.

I have always loved homes where Christmas lights burn late. Long after the holiday buzz, after others have packed up the decorations in brown boxes until next year, these leftover twinkles remind us that—yes, Christ has come.

AND He is still with us. The parties may be over, but the Savior is still here.

Shining Christ’s Light in the New Year

What does this new year hold? You and I don’t know.

But we know the One who does. And He holds the future in His hands.

Mercifully, Jesus is the light of the world, blazing through the darkness. With nail-scarred hands, He reaches out, offering salvation, forgiveness, hope, and new life.

Though the world broods in darkness and evil, His light and His Word stand immovable. Like a beacon in the storm. A fortress and a refuge for our souls.

But how can we keep our faith renewed year after year?

3 Ways to Shine Christ’s Light in the New Year

Here are 3 ways to shine Christ’s light.

1. Resist the rush. Take time to rest in Christ. Connect with Him in prayer. Ask God to fill you afresh with His love and peace. Turn on the worship music and sing His praises. Out loud!

2. Renew. Ask God to renew your heart and mind by making the Bible come alive. Consider choosing one verse to meditate on throughout the year. My husband and I have done this for several years now. This year, the verse I felt led to meditate on is: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” Colossians 3:2 (KJV).

3. Surrender. Invite the Holy Spirit to take over in every area of your life and grow in you the fruit of the Spirit. And remember, fruit grows in the valleys, not on the mountains.

Let Christ’s light keep glowing. In you and through you.

Even if His light will only warm the family members in your home. Or perhaps His peace flowing through you might encourage only one neighbor or one co-worker.

It doesn’t take much. One seemingly insignificant candle flame can light the next one. And the next one. And the next one.

Take heart, my friends. The light of Christ that shines through you still matters.

May God renew your heart and mind this year. May the Holy Spirit breathe afresh and fan the flames of your faith. Though we will face good times and tough times in the coming year, may Jesus’s light keep shining. In us and through us.

Do you have a favorite Scripture or spiritual habit that helps you stay strong in the Lord?

You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house (Matthew 5:14-15 NLT).

P.S. Are you looking for a fresh way to read the Bible in the new year? Check out my book, The Whole Bible Devotional. Deepen your relationship with Christ through a big picture view of the Bible and Spirit-filled prayers. God bless you and your family in the new year!

Comments

Karen Friday From TN At 1/25/2026 2:12:01 PM

I love this analogy, Melissa. Especially the way you describe the star burning bright amidst the dim and drab parts of our current winter season. I do pray to rest and especially surrender to the Holy Spirit. God bless!

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

I am praying to rest and surrender to the Holy Spirit, too, Karen. I am also praying for you and your husband, for continued healing and strength! God bless!

Stephen De La Vega From California, USA At 1/21/2026 9:13:37 PM

Thank you for this encouragement to keep focused on Jesus and serve Him. We indeed are His light, yet sometimes I dispel the light with my behavior or words. One thing I do, which I suppose is a habit, is to keep on reading the Bible and serving God even when I fail Him or want to take a break.

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Thank you for sharing your strategies for enduring in the faith. You're right, we do fall or grow weary at times. Your testimony of keeping on reading the Bible and serving God is an encouragement to me. God bless you!

Jessica Brodie From SC At 1/19/2026 12:46:24 PM

Such an uplifting message, Melissa! He's that bright light on the horizon, staying our focus when all else looks bleak. May we share that light so ALL may see and know it, too!

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Amen, Jessica! May we keep our eyes on the Light!

Yvonne Morgan From Oklahoma At 1/18/2026 2:21:26 PM

What a beautiful sight to see and a great reminder of how light breaks through the darkness. I pray I always can shine the light of Christ in the world. Thanks Melissa

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

You shine Christ's light so brightly. God bless!

Warren McLaughlin From Pennsylvania At 1/13/2026 5:36:32 PM

I am grateful that his light keeps shining. The enemy cannot put it out, nor can it prevent the light from spreading outward.

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Amen! His Light dispels all darkness. What a gift!

Melissa Henderson From Mount Pleasant SC At 1/13/2026 4:57:43 PM

This is a beautiful message. I pray that I shine His light and love in every moment. Have a blessed week! :-)

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Have a blessed week, Melissa! His light shines so brightly through you!

Kristi From OR At 1/13/2026 3:52:04 PM

A BIG AMEN SISTER IN JESUS CHRIST!!

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

God bless you, sister Kristi!

Spiritual Life

Join author and teacher, Melissa McLaughlin, and grow in Truthful Grace as we ignite the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit in our hearts, minds, prayers and lives. Grow in Christ, grow in the knowledge of His Word, the Bible, grow the passion in your prayers.

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