As we stand at the close of another year, we are reminded of the fleeting nature of time, and the precious gift God has given us in each passing day. Moses prayed, “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). When we look back over the past year, we see moments of joy and growth, as well as challenges and hardships. Through all of these, God has remained faithful. His mercies “are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23), and His steadfast love has carried us through each season. The end of a year invites us to reflect, not with regret or fear, but with gratitude for God’s guidance and strength.

The turning of the calendar also invites us to look forward. As Christians, we are people of hope. The Lord calls us to walk “by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7), trusting that whatever lies ahead, He will walk beside us. The world may be uncertain, but our confidence remains secure in Christ. Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Let us step into 2026 with an eager expectation, not for worldly success or empty resolutions, but for spiritual growth, deeper fellowship, and greater devotion to the Lord.

One of the greatest opportunities before us is the challenge of reading through the Bible in 2026. God’s Word is described as “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). It is living, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). It is able to build us up and give us an inheritance (Acts 20:32). Imagine what God can do in our congregation if every member commits to reading His word daily, from Genesis to Revelation. We grow closer to Him when we listen to Him. We grow closer to one another when we share what we learn.

Reading the Bible through is not simply a task to complete but a journey to enjoy. It strengthens faith (Romans 10:17), deepens understanding (Proverbs 2:6), fuels evangelism (1 Peter 3:15), and draws our hearts nearer to the Lord (James 4:8). As disciples, we are called to “desire the pure milk of the word” that we may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). This is not a challenge we undertake alone, but we are doing this together as congregation, encouraging one another daily.

As we close this year, let us thank God for His blessings. And as we enter the new year, let us commit ourselves more fully to Him. May 2026 be a year of great expectation, a year in which the Flatwoods church of Christ reads God’s Word, lives God’s Word, and shares God’s Word. With hearts fixed on Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2), we confidently move forward. Whatever 2026 holds, we know that God will provide, protect, and strengthen us.

And may the Word of God dwell in us richly (Colossians 3:16) as we give Him glory in all we do.

God Bless

“Tis The Season”, “Happy Holidays” or “Merry Christmas”, Just a few of the phrases and sayings that you will hear this time of year. It’s no secret that at this time of year many will celebrate the birth of Christ. Most good bible students of all backgrounds know that Jesus was not born on December 25^th, The New Testament never records the date of Jesus’ birth, nor does it instruct Christians to observe or commemorate it annually. Matthew and Luke record the birth of Christ to establish His identity as the promised Messiah, not to create a religious observance (Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 2:1–20). Yet, around the world Jesus birthday is celebrated on this day. How should the Christian view this day? We should view this day as most do already. Let it be a day for families to get together and share gifts of love with one another. The Lord knows most families do not have enough time together now.

The sad part about it all is that for some people this is the only time of year they even think about Jesus. Being misled into thinking that his birth was the greatest thing he did for us, when in fact we know as Christians that the greatest thing he did was die on the cross for the sins of mankind, and we remember his death, burial, and resurrection every first day of each week. However, throughout the year, Jesus is ignored by many; but this time of year, everyone must deal with Him! The atheist, Muslim, the Buddhist, and the Jew and yes, the Christian each must decide how to handle this holiday season. And they don’t all handle it the same way.

Why not turn this time of year into an opportunity to ask people: “What are you going to do with Jesus?” You see, He is the one Man who changed the world! Someone has said, “He built a bridge to Heaven with two boards, and three nails.” He has so influenced the world that we measure time from His birth. The fact is: Jesus simply cannot be ignored, this time of year, or any time of year! He is my Lord (Acts 2:36), He is my God (John 20:28), and He is my Savior (Matt.1:21); as a matter of fact, He is everything to me! And I pray that He is your everything, everyday!

If you have been putting Jesus out of your mind and life, why not give Him serious consideration, or for some a reconsideration? If those of us who believe in Christ are wrong, and there truly is no God, we will never know it; we will just pass quietly into non-existence. On the other hand, if those who don’t believe in Christ are wrong, they will lose their soul (John 8:24). That makes it a question worth pursuing! The evidence is overwhelming that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

“Jesus is the reason for the season.”  It’s catchy.  It’s heart-warming.  It’s reassuring.  However, As some have more aptly stated, “Jesus is the reason for every reason.” God is indeed, the reason for this and every other season (Psalm 104). And as such, that we all should be “ready in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2) to teach everybody about Him, His truth, and His Son (Acts 17:2-18:19), so that they too, may truly come to know, celebrate, and worship our great God and thank Him for the gift of His Son who died on the cross for the sins of mankind.

God Bless -Todd