Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you and your loved ones. This week, let’s do something a bit different. I put together a short guide to help you reflect on:

1. Ending the year well
2. Engaging with your family during Christmas
3. Growing in Jesus and serving others in 2026

I encourage you to set aside some intentional time—an hour or so—between now and Christmas to go through the following reflection prompts, writing down your thoughts as you do. 

Aim to go through them prior to the season’s activities and family get-togethers, and consider forwarding this email to others in your circle as well!

YOUR YEAR IN REVIEW

Reflect on and list this year’s successes:

People you’ve—

• Helped
• Encouraged
• Given hope
• Befriended
• Given a listening ear

Who have been your companions and shown you love this year?

Who has encouraged you, stood by you, or given you hope?

How has their love and support impacted you and made your year more meaningful?

 What is something you can do for them to show your appreciation?

• Write a handwritten note
• Send a text or email
• Call them
• Treat them to coffee or a meal
• Invite them to a small dinner party to thank them

What tasks have you accomplished and feel good about?

How are you doing?

• Are you emotionally healthy?
• How are your relationships?
• Do you have a clear sense of purpose?
• Are you spending time with the Lord daily?
• How are your finances?
• Do you have health issues that can or cannot be resolved?
• Are you hiding sin?
• Do you have anyone to whom you are truly accountable?

What is a negative recurring thought pattern or attitude that has held you back this year—and that you would like to change in the new year? 

Who can help you make that change?

THE HOLIDAYS

This quote by Erick Erickson serves as a helpful guiding principle as we gather with our families during the Christmas season: “If none of us are allowed to move beyond the worst thing we’ve done, there’s no incentive for any of us to become a better person.” 

With this principle in mind, who do you need to forgive and extend grace?

To whom do you need to apologize and ask forgiveness?

Who in your life is hurting, grieving, suffering, struggling with identity or meaning, coping, or making progress?

This Christmas, who needs a special expression of love and acceptance from you?

If you’re in pain yourself, who may be able to help and support you? Will you ask them this week?

THE NEW YEAR

As you look toward the future, the key to understanding legacy is this: What Jesus left behind is just as important as what He did.

If how you are remembered and what you leave behind were to depend entirely on what you do and how you live in 2026, how would you spend next year?

What did you hope to accomplish in 2025 that you need to carry over to 2026?

What are the ongoing projects or commitments that are important for you to continue in 2026?

What relationships do you want to prioritize in the new year? List 3 to 5 names and one action step you can take for each person, along with a time frame:

If—as I like to say—a Bible, a small group, and serving someone else will solve 90% of your problems, write down a goal for each area this year:

• Bible (example: read through Bible this year)
• Small group (example: join a weekly small group)
• Serving others (example: invite one man for coffee each month)

If you’re married, praying with and for your wife can bump that up to 99%. Write down details for each of these goals (e.g., how, when, where): 

• “I will pray for my wife every day.” 
• “I will pray with my wife every day.” (Even just a few minutes makes a huge difference!) 

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and meaningful start to the New Year. 

Always on your side,

Pat