In the Beginning… Again

 

“In the beginning…” are some of the most powerful words ever written.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Gen 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word.” John 1:1

Even Julie Andrews knew what she was talking about: “Let’s start at the very beginning -- a very good place to start.”

And here we are -- in the beginning -- of 2026. A brand spanking new year.

Which begs the question -- what does brand-spanking-new even mean? One explanation traces it to newborns -- those first cries signaling life has begun. I love that picture -- life awakened -- unmistakably new.

That’s my prayer for this year -- that 2026 would be indelibly marked by God. New thinking. New living. New grace.

The world loves a clean slate, and so does God. Scripture promises, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) That’s not just poetic language -- it’s permission to begin again.

I’ve always loved asking God for a “word of the year.” As we prayed in the new year -- Carl and I agreed that we wanted to be encouragers to others this year. Encourage -- encourager -- encouragement. Aw! That hint of color for the blank canvas ahead.

Our scripture to emulate: "Encourage one another and build each other up." (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

In Genesis, God looked at what He had made and declared it “very good.” (Genesis 1:31) That’s my hope for this year -- that the atmosphere we create, the love we give, the encouragement we offer would reflect His goodness.

So here’s to beginnings. Fresh starts. Holy possibility.
What does your “in the beginning” look like?