Entering the New Year
Carried across the threshold
Remember the old tradition where a groom carries his bride over the threshold of their new home?
This morning when I woke up, a picture of this greeted me. Yet it wasn’t an image of my husband and me, or even a stock photo of a random couple.
No, it was that of Jesus carrying me over the threshold between the year that’s ending and the one to come.
As followers of Jesus, we’re all the Bride of Christ, held in the loving arms of him who delights in calling us his own.
Can you picture him holding you close as you step into 2026?
Part of my story includes a paralyzing relationship with fear. It reached the point, nearly two decades ago, where I dreaded January 1st, because “what if’s” crashed in. What if tragedy lies ahead? What if I lose the ones I love? What if my health fails, my world falls apart, my comfortable life unravels...
Then one day, something shifted. God’s Spirit pointed out that in all my fears, in the endless scenarios my mind created, God was conspicuously absent. In each imaginary story, I struggled to handle a crisis by myself.
After showing me this, the Spirit silently whispered to my soul, “There will never be a situation you face all alone. Whatever lies ahead, I will be there to meet it with you. And with my presence will come my wisdom, compassion, strength, power, and everything else I am and you need.”
This revelation began undoing the work of fear in my life and breaking its stranglehold on my soul.
But there’s another side of this that’s important to consider. God’s nearness, his power and sovereignty, are only good news if he himself is good.
What comfort is there in knowing God is present if we don’t believe at our core that he is for us?
That his heart is gentle and humble? That he overflows with love and compassion?
That he’s eager to shelter us in his embrace and create goodness and beauty in our lives—in both pleasant and painful seasons?
Recognizing his nearness and learning to trust his heart—both are essential in cultivating a settled soul.
So today, as we cross the threshold between years, may we picture ourselves carried by the One who calls us beloved, whose strong arms hold us securely and whose constant presence is our promise.
Entering the Year Gently
Over the past several years, I’ve paused near this threshold for prayerful contemplation--setting aside time and space to look back over the year that’s wrapping up and to pray, plan, and dream with God about the year ahead.
This time with Jesus has become one of my favorite parts of the season.
In case you’d like to join me, here are a few people from whom I’m learning to develop this practice. The first two links go into great detail, but I encourage you to tailor your experience to your current needs and season.
Phylicia Masonheimer -- This is a great article on reflection and goal setting.
Pete Greig -- Pete’s most recent Instagram post shares how he practices an “examen for the coming year.”
Denisa O Nico -- I subscribe to Denisa’s newsletter and she recently sent reflection questions for the end of the year which I’ve printed out to use during my time with God this weekend.
If you choose to practice this and would like to share your experience, I’d be honored to hear! Just hit reply and let me know!
My Prayer for You
In 2026, may you:
Experience how high and wide and deep and long God’s measureless love is for you.
Overflow with love for him.
Grow in wholeness through your relationship with God’s Spirit.
Share his life and love with the people around you.
Happy New Year, my friends!
Meredith