This Sunday we begin something new.
New things can be scary. Uncharted. Unknown.
In ancient maps, when cartographers illustrated what they knew, what had been discovered, they drew the land, the water, the topography, the geography.
But when they reached portions not yet explored, places unknown or seemingly dangerous, do you know what they would do?
They would draw lions and write in Latin:
Hic Sunt Leones.
Here be lions.
About six years ago I was in Israel at the Jordan River on the day the Coptic Church (Egyptian Christians) celebrates the baptism of Jesus. When we pulled up, there were thousands of Egyptian followers of Jesus lining the river. Singing. Drums. Formal attire. Dancing into the water. It was loud, joyful, and absolutely beautiful. They were celebrating and remembering Jesus’ baptism while baptizing people from their own community into the family of God.
It was a party.
I had been to the Jordan River years before. That time, it was calm and quiet, peaceful, and serene. Peaceful. Serene.
Two very different experiences at the same place.
Our kids wrapped up their Christmas break today, so we spent part of the day reflecting on the highs.
And there were a lot of highs.
Slow mornings and fun-filled evenings.
Time with friends and loved ones.
Sunsets on the beach and really great movie nights.
Meaningful family Christmas traditions and a few new ones.
An unbelievable Christmas Eve service with more than 3,000 of our closest friends.
A simple, beautiful Christmas morning.
Great food, an amazing trip with family, jumping into crystal-clear waters, swimming in natural pools, and hiking in the forest.
It was a great break.
But there were also lows.
Honestly, ours really was great, but as followers of Jesus in this body of Christ, we rejoice with those who rejoice and we also mourn with those who mourn. We don’t do life or faith alone.
People who call The Chapel home said goodbye to family and loved ones far too soon.
Too many people are sick and struggling.
Too many people are hurting.
Too many people I know and love are feeling lost and alone.
Too many trips to the doctor and the pharmacy.
And personally speaking…we had sickness that made us miss our first Sunday of the new year. As a fun bonus, one of our kids got both an inner and outer ear infection. He’s really an overachiever.
Awesome, right?!
Happy New Year from The Chapel!
As we wrap up celebrating Christmas and turn the page to a new year, there are probably lots of hopes and dreams you’re carrying into 2026. The reality is…some of those things will pan out. And lots won’t.
I hope to run the Seaside Half Marathon.
Right now, that’s already looking a bit iffy.
I hope to see some new National Parks.
Currently, there are zero trips planned.
I hope to read more.
But my reading has decreased over the past few weeks, which makes it hard to believe I’m suddenly going to flip a switch tonight.
Yesterday I was talking with one of my sons and he said, “I’m gonna give up smoking for the New Year!”
One of us responded, “I’m proud of you buddy, that’s really hard to do.”
He’s in middle school.
News from the Tower – 35
Explore this Tower to hear about our Christmas Eve service, get details about a second service on Sunday mornings, and find out how to opt into our spiritual plan for the New Year.