Blessing in 2026
Dearly Beloved,
Blessings in 2026. 2026 is already upon us. Today is January 1st. May the LORD keep you, your family, and all loved ones close. May the LORD make HIS face shine upon each of you. And May the LORD grant you peace as we begin 2026.
With added grace, I hope you had some Korean Rice Cake Soup, gathered with your family, and started the year off on a note of giving thanks to God; and even bowing to your parents - what a beautiful tradition. I did the same before my parents (here in our home) and had the opportunity to pass New Year's greetings and gratitude to my mother-in-law over the phone. She is safely back in Flushing.
I spent the last few days preparing for 2026 (carefully reviewing the Gospel Parallels), truly giving thanks to God for each of you and our church at large. This morning was a very chilly, cold first day of the year - as it should be. My short morning walk with my dog (always saying a short prayer) was good. Later in the evening, something that I normally don’t do, too often, I watched a movie "Miss Grany" a 70 year old who turns back to her 20s. The script was humorous, and one scene was moving. I came down to my study, to pray for you and your family. I too, wouldn't change a thing (about 2025 as we’re headed into 2026). God has been with each of you, every step of your long walk so far in this life.
As we begin 2026, I pray that this is the year, you'll "Seek first God's kingdom, and HIS righteousness, at the break of each morning.” When you do start each day, seeking HIM and HIS kingdom, “all these things” (whatever you are seeking) shall be added unto you (Matt 6:33).
You may have briefly read in the e-news, and repeated here, in 2026, first-quarter to half, we'll be walking closely with the Jesus, literally, as the Gospels present HIM. The term parallel gospel will be introduced shortly.
In 2025, you held fast and bore ach Sunday, the very WORD from the LORD, the entire Bible preached and proclaimed in one year (Leviticus to Revelation). What an accomplishment. What marks of 2025 to set us up for 2026. How many congregations can claim these graces from above? Who can say, we started two additional worship services (9:15 and 2:00 PM)? Who can claim a revival and a family retreat – all in one year? These are all marks of faith. As we begin this year anew, with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news, I warmly invite you to walk with HIM on this well-travelled and worn path, through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (from Jan 1 to Apr 5, Easter Sunday).
May 2026 be filled with new strength and godly determinism. May 2026 usher in new hope, new action, and new dynamic movement in your life. And May 2026 be the year of new breakthroughs – from stagnancy, old habits, laziness, or routines – to the best version of you. We are calling 2026 the year of “intentional care.” May humility and grace transform all of us and create in us something new for HIM – to be more like Jesus Christ.
Proclaiming rich Blessings from HIM for all of 2026 and beyond, you are loved, Bethany EM.
In HIM Alone,
Pastor John Ahn