Wisdom for 2026

Happy new year. As the year ends, we naturally pause to reflect—on its highs and lows, and on what lies ahead. What God has been working in and through us and our faith communities. We take stock and turn our attention to the coming year. Our hopes and desires, what we want to achieve and those things we want to avoid or to let go.

There is a natural rhythm to reflect on the past and hope for the future. Many at this time of year talk of new years resolutions. Do you have any? 

This coming weekend we celebrate the second Sunday of Christmas and move forward Epiphany to observe it on Sunday as well (or so says the lectionary). Epiphany is one of my favorite times of the year to preach. I just love the story of the Magi – the wise people for the east. How many were there? We don’t know. There were three gifts represented, so we assume there were three people (men) who brought the gifts. But there could have been an entourage. There is a lovely mix of assumption and wisdom at play in the readings we have and the lore we hold at Epiphany. 

I like to focus upon wisdom. Afterall many of us automatically think of the wise men 

I think wisdom is an important quality to hold as we make important decisions for the coming year, and maybe something to seek for 2026.  

Proverbs 4.7 (TLB) says: 
“Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do!   
And with your wisdom, develop common sense and good judgment.” 

As we all know common sense isn’t that common. But something worth pursuing. The epistle of James is a great source and instruction for wisdom. James 1.5 is a good starting point, suggesting we need to start by asking for wisdom. That means be intentional. Wisdom frequently avoids a closed mind and one that is running in the opposite direction. Therefore be intentional, ask for wisdom and put yourself in a position to pursue wisdom. Worldly wisdom is all about self, whereas Godly wisdom is about God and God matters. James 3.17 gives us a few qualities of Godly wisdom: peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Godly wisdom has these values and it is incredibly beneficial to cultivate these qualities in our own lives. 

With wisdom as your companion, 2026 can be a year of hope and purpose. May God’s richest blessings guide your steps—especially the gift of wisdom—so that you not only walk in it but become a source of light and insight for those around you. 

Blessings, 
Rev. Eron.