It is the first Monday of a new year. It's back to a normal routine. Exercise for me after a few days off. It will feel good. Back to work or back to school for others. No snow in Iowa. In fact, temperatures rising to 50 by the end of the week, they say. So what is different about 2026? It is a new path, if we choose to take it. Things can be different this year.
The wise men were told in a dream to take a new path home, rather than reporting to Herod.
"After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route," (Matthew 2:9-12 NIV).
The wise men were warned by God not to return through Jerusalem. My study Bible suggests, "Finding Jesus may mean that your life must take a different direction, one that is responsive and obedient to God's Word," (footnotes to Matthew 2:12 NIV Life Application Bible).
Is God leading you in a different direction in 2026? Talk to God about it. Then listen to what He has to say. That is a great way to start a new year or a new path.
"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand," (Psalm 16:11 NIV).
God, thank you for the season of celebrating Christ's birth. As we move forward in 2026, direct us. Lead us. Help us make the changes You desire us to make. Help us be responsive and obedient to Your Word. Be ever at our side as we take a new path in this new year. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
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