As the year draws to a close, some of us are experiencing the longest, darkest nights of the year, while others are enjoying the long, light-filled days of summer. No matter where you see this letter around the world, the Christmas and New Year seasons gently remind us of a common and unchanging truth: That is, Jesus Christ, the light of the world, has already come and the darkness has not overcome him.
In Jesus’ words:
“The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5 NIV).
God has been at work in every place and in every season.
For many, 2025 has been tough. Across countries and cultures, people have made heavy headlines alongside quiet personal burdens that never made the news. But God often goes unnoticed, always being faithful and working in every place and in every season.
Darkness is real, but it is not final. Breaking is part of the story, but it’s not the end. Because Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
I look back with gratitude.
When we look back on this past year, we do so with gratitude. Not because it was easy, but because God was present.
In our ministry, we have been deeply moved by that story. A short message shared online will reach someone at the right time. In a conversation after the talk, someone quietly said, “That helped me believe again.”
The good news of Jesus has traveled farther than we could ever go on our own.
This year, thousands of people have been personally touched through ministry events and resources. And the good news of Jesus travels farther than we can reach ourselves, across borders, cultures, and time zones, and engages millions more through social media, television, and radio programs.
We don’t think in numbers. We imagine faces. name. It’s alive. All of them are valuable. Each is known. Each person is loved by God.
It reminds me of the little lunch that was placed in the hands of Jesus. It didn’t seem like a big deal, but love rarely does that at first glance. I offered it to him and it was more than enough. We just tried to be faithful, and God graciously multiplied it.
Look around you – with honest eyes
We live in a world where we feel emotion and pain at the same time. We are more connected than ever, yet many of us feel invisible. We have infinite information, but we feel a deep hunger for meaning.
That’s why Christmas is more important than ever.
God did not send advice, He came Himself.
God did not shout from heaven, He stepped into our world.
God did not distance himself, but drew near.
In the manger, heaven touched earth.
And the light came on.
A single candle can push back the darkness that fills a room.
Here’s something to note. In science, darkness is not a force in itself. It’s just no light. We don’t fight the darkness by shouting at it. You can overcome it by turning on the lights. Even a little light can change everything. A single candle can push back the darkness that fills a room.
That is why John does not say that darkness fought against light, but only that darkness could not overcome it.
And that light, the light of Jesus, still shines in homes and hospitals, cities and villages, prisons and palaces, hearts of hope and hearts that are hurting.
Looking forward with calm confidence
The future may feel uncertain, but it is by no means indifferent.
As we approach the new year, we greet it with quiet hope. The future may feel uncertain, but it is by no means indifferent. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; acknowledge Him in all your ways, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)
The same God who brought us this far is already at work in the future. He continues to call, heal, restore, and shine his light through ordinary people and simple acts of faithfulness.
Simple application – light reception, light reflection
Christmas and the (Western) end of the year are not only something to celebrate, but also to respond to.
If Christ has brought light into your life this year, peace in times of suffering, hope when you’ve lost your way, forgiveness that has lifted a burden, don’t keep it to yourself. Light is meant to be shared.
Those are kind words.
Polite conversation.
A simple invitation.
silent prayer.
Small lights are important. They always are.
Let’s carry prayer with us
Faithful God,
As this year comes to a close, we pause and express our gratitude.
Thank you for walking with me when the road is empty,
And when it wasn’t.
For strength we didn’t know we had.
For the grace that greets us each morning.
For the hope that quietly brought us together.
We leave everything in your hands.
The joy that warmed us,
The disappointments that shaped us,
Prayers have been answered and prayers are still waiting.
Now we place everything that is to come in your hands.
Let’s welcome the new year early.
Illuminate the path you can’t see yet.
Give us peace today and courage tomorrow.
And let us use our lives to gently, faithfully, and joyfully point others to Jesus.
A light that still shines.
We believe in the past and trust you.
We trust our future in you.
And today we rest in you.
Light of the world, in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
May we step into the new year supported by God’s steady and faithful love, knowing that Christ is near at this time of year, wherever we may be, whether in the winter sky or the summer sun.
Originally published by Philo Trust. Republished with permission.
J. John is an evangelist, pastor, speaker, broadcaster, and author. He has been in ministry for 40 years. He spoke in towns, cities, and universities in 69 countries, and in 1982 founded the Philo Trust, which organizes various evangelistic services. J. John’s weekly podcast, “The J. John Podcast,” features a variety of interviews with Christians from all walks of life and talks by J. John. Click here to listen. J.John’s books can be ordered through jjohn.com or other online bookstores or brick-and-mortar stores.
The Philo Trust was founded in 1982 by J. John with the purpose of organizing evangelistic events and projects, equipping Christians to share their faith spontaneously, coaching evangelists, and producing books and resources to help people in their faith journeys.
