I pray 2026 begins with fresh faith, renewed joy, and a steady focus on what matters most. As we step into this new season, I want to offer one simple reminder for every believer and every church: Jesus is the Star of the Show. Worship was never meant to be a stage for personalities—it’s an altar for the Savior. We don’t gather to admire a preacher, a singer, or a “brand.” We gather to exalt Christ and to be formed by His presence, His Word, and His power.

One challenge in this generation is that we can start measuring spiritual impact the way the world measures success—views, clicks, likes, shares, and followers. Social media can be a useful tool, but it must never become the scoreboard for the church or the standard for spiritual depth. A moment can trend online and still be empty of transformation. Popularity is not the same as power, and attention is not the same as anointing. The algorithm is not the Holy Spirit.

So as the year begins, let’s return to the center. When Jesus is lifted up, He promised He would draw hearts—hungry hearts, hurting hearts, searching hearts—to Himself. If we want worship that heals, teaching that changes lives, and a church that truly shines, the goal is simple: lift Jesus higher. Not the platform, not the production, not the personalities—Christ. And when He is the focus, the church becomes what it was always meant to be: a living witness of God’s glory.

Lord Jesus, thank You for carrying us into a new year by Your mercy and grace. Forgive us for the times we’ve been distracted by personalities, popularity, and public approval. Purify our hearts and refocus our worship so that You alone are lifted high. Teach us not to chase views, clicks, and likes, but to pursue Your truth, Your presence, and Your transforming power. Make our homes, our church, and our lives Christ-centered in 2026. Draw the lost, strengthen the weary, heal the broken, and glorify Your name in all we do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

James A. Terrance, Jr.

Pastor-Teacher