I’m not usually one to get overly excited about New Year’s resolutions. But I am deeply committed to growing in my knowledge and love of Jesus. And so I don’t want to waste the opportunity a new year brings to set some goals, refresh some habits, and refocus on what matters most as we head into 2026.

The apostle Paul puts it like this:

“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” (Philippians 3:10)

So have you thought about how you want to grow as a follower of Jesus this year?

I hope you have had a joyful Christmas and have been able to enjoy some rest as the year comes to a close.

It was great at our Christmas services to be reminded that Jesus, even as a baby, is the only one worthy of our worship. He alone is the saviour king sent from God to rescue his people.

What a joy it was to sing together at our Carols services over the weekend - and to see so many visitors join us as we proclaimed our joy at Jesus' coming! 

Huge shout out to all the hard work put in behind the scenes to bring these two beautiful services to life - everything from arranging, rehearsing, planning, buying extra sound cables, hauling stages, precariously hanging bunting, baking gingerbread, to staying late to vacuum and more. It was a privilege to see so many people serving with humility and joy to make a big deal of something so worth celebrating.

What does your December calendar look like?

If it’s anything like mine, it’s probably filling up fast with end-of-year team celebrations, family gatherings, summer farewells, and those last-minute work meetings before everything shuts down for Christmas. The holidays are coming quickly, but the lead-up often feels like a frantic sprint to get everything prepared.

What does trust in God look like?

When Jesus wanted to show what trusting God looks like, he pointed to children.
 
In Mark 10:13-15 we read: 
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. (Mark 10:13-15)

What do you see when you look at the cute little face of a baby?

Maybe this is your world right now. Perhaps that face reminds you of sleepless nights, mum guilt (or dad guilt!), the relentless desire to just have some time for yourself or an adult conversation. 

For the grandparents among us, perhaps it’s a complicated combo of wonderful joy mixed with the weariness of being “presumed upon” as the reliable babysitter.