„God says: Behold, I make all things new!“
(Revelation 21:5)

‚Oh yes, please!‘ is my first thought. And I already have a long list of wishes in my head. ‚Yes, Lord, please end all wars, all suffering, all forms of oppression, abuse, and exploitation. Please stabilize conditions so that people can be safe and provided for. Please renew our healthcare system, reform pensions, create peace between peoples and nations, and foster better relations within our society.‘ Of course, I also have a whole range of personal concerns about what else should become new/ better/ different…
But is that even what is meant in the context of this verse? Since it is written in the Book of John’s Revelation about the end of time- isn’t it more like a dream for the future?
„God says: Behold, I make all things new!“ God’s new world- when and where does it begin? I believe it begins in our hearts, today. God longs to have fellowship with me now, not at some unknown and far time. By His Spirit, He wants to renew my inner being. I am allowed to learn to see things through His eyes, to reset my priorities, and to see other people in the light of His love. And by allowing this, I am strengthened from within. I receive His divine peace, His love, and His joy. This is a treasure within me that no one can take away. And it becomes a living spring of water from which I draw strength, and which blesses those around me. I breathe in this happiness deeply, hold my breath for a moment, and then I breathe out with a joyful sigh: ‚Thank you, Abba, dear Father!‘ Amen.

Thoughts about the church motto for the year 2026 by Stefanie Arthur