Confident Hope in 2026
January 2026 - Bruce Fairbairn, Elder
The cusp of a new year is when we look backward at the year just past and forward to the new one beginning. It is no coincidence that the Romans, in developing the Julian calendar, named this month January after the pseudo-god Janus. Janus was depicted as having two faces—one looking backward and one forward.
People tend to look back fondly on good times and happy events but also lament about the things they could’ve, should’ve and would’ve done but did not. We also look ahead to new opportunities and second chances but oft times with trepidation because of the specter of the unknown and prospects for unwanted changes.
The Bible encourages us to be thankful and grateful for past blessings. The Hebrew people were reminded many times of God’s miracles for his chosen people and the good land and opportunities they were given. Scripture encourages us even more to look forward to the future with joyful expectations. Paul often wrote about the confident hope we have in Christ—confidence in what he has done, is doing and will do in the future. Our communion celebration mirrors that same pattern of past, present and future blessings: Christ’s work on the Cross, the indwelling Holy Spirit encouraging us along our daily walks of faith, and the promised future of the heavenly banquet.
That confident hope also extends to our church home here at Crestview. We certainly look back with gratitude and thankfulness for past blessings and the wonderful times spent in worship and fellowship over many years. Looking forward to 2026, we have an air of positive and confident expectations for renewal, continued praise, changes and challenges as God leads us into a bright future.
In his powerful sermon last Sunday “Do You Hear What I Hear”, Pastor Bob spoke on these New Year challenges and opportunities for Crestview. We await with watchful anticipation the good things God is bringing to us while continuing to share the Gospel, serve others and live out His holy purposes daily. Above all, Bob stressed praying for the future, praying for our children, for our families, for our church and for God’s promises to break into our lives now and in the years ahead. As in Revelation 22:20, we confidently pray “Amen, come, Lord Jesus.
Bruce Fairbairn – Elder
