Three ways Christmas joy leads to your dreams in 2026

Standing behind these ducks early yesterday morning, I was swept by a scene of Christmas joy.

God was there in all his morning glory, and I wanted to hear what he had to say.

1. Rekindle joy by getting outside daily

All of the events of the first Christmas happened outside.

• Angels appeared to the shepherds in the fields.
• Wise men were moved by a star.

Everyone was outside. Some working. Some curious.

And then something happens.

They encounter God becoming a child.

• Omnipotence wrapped in swaddling clothes
• This monarch of eternity arriving as a baby

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1: 14

What does that mean today? I believe God comes to those who are curious, open, and listening.

His works, power, and wonders are on display outside every day.

2. Rekindle joy in spiritual growth

So, why do all of this decorating anyway? Why put up big red bows and lights? Why move all of the furniture around?

Something has happened, and we must celebrate it. It’s something about a God who cares about us.

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2: 10-12

This eternal God enters the world as a baby “for all the people.”

A new age began with this baby. We find out that God is with us, for us.

And when we open our lives to this Savior, something happens inside of us that benefits all of our dreams.

If we accept the gift of God’s Son, our emotional, mental, and physical health is stabilized by God’s presence.

All the despair, frustration, and unexpected things that happen to us take a back seat to the power and presence of God.

And that sets the table for pursuing your dreams.

3. Roll by regrets

It’s impossible to go forward always looking back.

No attendees at the first Christmas stayed around in Bethlehem.

They moved on.

• Jesus and family moved to Egypt.
• Shepherds returned to the fields.
• Wise men “returned to their country by a different route.”

They left behind their regrets of the past to experience the spectacular encounter at Bethlehem.

And then they moved on.

Reaching your dreams requires a willingness to…

• seek the highest power
• embrace change
• let go of regrets
• move forward

What is your plan for 2026?