Good Morning Friends,
As we settle into this season—more peaceful than recent years—I find myself wondering what wisdom God will grow in us in the coming year. Many religions try to make bad people better, but only Christianity makes dead people alive. We worship Jesus, the only founder who is still living, and we remember how God has guided our lives to this moment. I am hopeful that more people will come to know Christ in the next year. I’m grateful for our pastor and staff at Moorings Presbyterian Church who help us trust the Lord. Life feels steadier now: the holidays are here, hurricanes memories are behind us, and even the shorter winter days carry joy—especially when we see the children in worship or think of our own grandchildren. Their future will depend on character, relationships, and hard work, but also on the spiritual foundation we help build. As we end 2025, the story of Simeon and Anna invites us to ask: What Are You Looking Forward To In 2026 That Will Truly Last?
Scripture: I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven on account of his name. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young people, because you have conquered the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you are strong and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever.
1 John 2:12-17 (NRSV)
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Luke 2:36-40 (NRSV)
Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding, for her income is better than silver, and her revenue better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called happy.
Proverbs 3:13-18 (NRSV)
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NRSV)
Message: Scripture reminds us that wisdom is more precious than silver or gold, and that every season has its purpose. Godly wisdom grows slowly, but it shapes us when we follow God’s will, listen to the Spirit, and learn from our missteps. Wisdom, empowered by love, leads to redemption. In Luke 2, when Jesus is presented at the Temple, the spotlight turns to two elderly servants—Simeon and Anna—who had spent their lives waiting, working, and worshiping. Their faithfulness prepared them to recognize the Redeemer when He appeared. They show us what it means to live with purpose and hope, even in later years.
And So, as we look toward a new year, may we seek the wisdom that transforms. May we give thanks for our Redeemer, imitate the faith of Simeon and Anna, and grow into people who wait on God, work for God, and worship God with gladness so others too might believe.
Pray that we gain understanding, honor God, respect others, find wisdom in friends and scripture, and follow the best path in every season of life. Pray we seek the transformative wisdom of love. Pray that regardless of what season we are in we seek the wisdom of scripture and trusted friends that work with and for the Lord.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 