Dear Church Family,

As I began preparing to pack away my Christmas decorations this year, I found myself reflecting on the process. What began as a simple task of putting away the lights and ornaments that had brightened our home throughout the season quickly became a teachable moment for me.  Sometimes God uses funny things to get our attention. 

Some of my Christmas lights were old and damaged. Despite my best efforts, sections no longer worked on many of the strands. I found a few ornaments that had broken pieces, their original beauty was now marred by wear and tear over the years. There were also some old crafts from when my children were small—precious at the time, but now a little worse for wear. I had held onto them out of sentimentality or politeness, but deep down, I knew it was probably time to let some of them go. (Forgive me, Renita, but the tree is only so big!)

As I carefully sorted through each item, I began to ask myself an important question: Are there things in my life that I should leave behind as I head into 2025? Just as I was discarding broken lights and outdated decorations, I wondered if God might be calling me to declutter my heart and life similarly.

Scripture often speaks of leaving behind the old to make room for the new. In Isaiah 43:18-19, the Lord says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” This passage reminded me that God desires to do something new in us, but we must first be willing to let go of what is no longer useful, healthy, or part of His plan.

So, what might God be asking us to leave behind? Perhaps it’s an old habit or mindset that no longer serves His purpose. Maybe it’s the burden of past mistakes or relationships that have grown toxic. It could be pride, stubbornness, or a refusal to submit to God’s plan in our life. Like broken decorations, some things have simply reached the end of their season.

At the same time, God calls us to preserve and nurture what truly matters. Just as I carefully packed away my favorite decorations to use again next year, we should hold tightly to the treasures of faith, hope, love, and community. These are the things God uses to light our path forward.

As we step into 2025, let’s take time to prayerfully examine our hearts and lives. What needs to stay? What needs to go? And most importantly, what new thing might God be preparing to do in us if we make space for Him to work?

This year, let’s commit to heading into the new year God’s way—by leaving behind what no longer brings Him glory and holding fast to the things that draw us closer to His purpose. 

Together, we can walk into this new season with open hearts and uncluttered lives, ready for the blessings He has in store.

Happy New Year, and may 2025 be a year of fresh starts and abundant grace! Embrace New Life… in 2025!

Loving you all, 
Michael