As we approach the end of this year, we often reflect on thoughts and actions that will help us improve in the coming year.
On my dad’s side of the family, there was a tradition where many families gathered during the last weeks of the year to celebrate Christmas and prepare to welcome the new year. As far as I can remember, many of their conversations centered on New Year’s resolutions, such as setting personal goals, making lifestyle changes, budgeting, remodeling their homes, traveling to new places, adopting low-calorie diets, and many other topics. None of those resolutions addresses actions or goals that would deal with their spiritual lives, as most of their priorities were driven by the wrong motives.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we also strive to improve as we move forward in fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives. We need to place and align our priorities in the right place as we look forward to the new year. Jesus reminds us in the Gospel of Matthew that as followers of Christ, to prioritize by seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness above all else, with the promise that all necessary needs will be provided. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” Matthew 6:33 (NIV). There is no doubt that this verse embodies the essence of our Christian faith and serves as the driving force to focus on spiritual matters rather than concentrate on material things, as we strive to model our Savior, Jesus Christ, in the years ahead.
As we begin setting our resolutions for the next year, “Look back, which really means that we should reflect on what we have experienced, let us ponder on these teaching moments. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the areas where we need to grow, which will help us draw closer to God. The book of the apostle James, chapter 4, verse 8, calls us to draw near, to move closer to Him, creating a reaction from God as he moves closer to us. “Come near to God, and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded” James 4:8 (NIV).
Brothers, sisters, and friends, as we all prepare to welcome the new year 2026, let’s consider it a race built on prayer by intentionally forming habits of diving into God’s Scripture, which is His infallible Word. Precisely, the apostle Paul teaches us to focus on the finish line, where the heavenly prize awaits us. when he says in Philippians, “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us” (Phil. 3:14 (NIV).
“GO,” as we race, do not be afraid, keep racing no matter the challenges that we may encounter, do not let anything or anyone distract your sight from the ultimate goal, which is the supreme heavenly prize, “La Corona de la vida” [The Crown of Life]
José J. Acevedo – CBC Executive Board
