A Sacred Pause Before Midnight
As 2025 gently came to a close and 2026 waited quietly ahead, our family once again found ourselves gathered together just before midnight. It has become a sacred pause for us—a moment to reflect, remember, and realign our hearts with God. There was no rush, no noise, just the shared desire to acknowledge how Jesus had carried us through another year.
That night, Jayvee asked us a simple but powerful question: How has Jesus been faithful to you this past year? Each response was a testimony of grace—some spoke of provision, others of strength through trials, healing, protection, or quiet perseverance. Hearing each story reminded us that God’s faithfulness is deeply personal, yet beautifully shared when spoken out loud.
“The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made.” — Psalm 145:13
Faith in the Middle of Struggle
One moment that stood out to me was realizing how faith carried me through inner battles no one else could see. Temptation, self-focus, and weariness followed me throughout the year, yet Jesus remained patient. Instead of instant deliverance, He gave daily strength—gentle reminders to pause, pray, and choose obedience. Looking back, I see how His grace was sufficient, even in weakness.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9
Leaving Our Sins Behind
We then moved into a powerful act of surrender. Each of us wrote down our sins—failures, regrets, attitudes we no longer wanted to carry. Dipping them into the blood reminded us that forgiveness had already been paid for. When Jayvee pronounced forgiveness, something shifted. It felt final. What was written stayed in 2025.
There was a sense of release, of lightness, as if we were stepping into 2026 clean, forgiven, and renewed.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9
Writing Hope for the New Year
Before the night ended, we wrote our prayers and wishes for 2026. Mine were deeply personal: overcoming temptation, freedom from a self-centered life, love like Jesus, and deeper intimacy with Jesus. Writing them down felt like trust in action—placing my desires into God’s hands instead of striving on my own.
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” — Psalm 37:4
Christmas, Unplanned but Answered
Days earlier, on Christmas Eve, we gathered to thank Jesus for 2025 and offer Him non-material birthday gifts—obedience, forgiveness, renewed faith. We sang “Happy Birthday, Jesus,” and the simplicity of that moment lingered. The next day, what began as a quick visit turned into an unplanned Christmas dinner with my siblings, nephews, and nieces—our first like this since my father passed away in 2017.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3
An Invitation to Begin Again
As I say goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026, I do so with gratitude, release, and hope. This new year doesn’t feel perfect—but it feels clean, intentional, and anchored in faith. I am reminded that God truly does make all things new.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” — Isaiah 43:18–19
Questions for Reflection:
- How has Jesus been faithful to you this past year?
- What are you choosing to leave behind as you step into a new beginning?
- What prayer are you carrying into 2026?
May this year be marked by deeper surrender, renewed joy, and a closer walk with Him. 🙏
BELOVED 
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