1 January 2026 | Silver Spring, USA [Erton C. Köhler]
The calendar has turned, but the world’s cries have not fallen silent. While colourful fireworks flashed for some, multitudes crossed into a new year under the roar of artillery, sirens, and bombs. Wars persist across continents, humanitarian catastrophes are worsening, some nations are in civil upheaval, and places once peaceful now face violence on an unprecedented scale. The world’s major players reaffirm their arsenals on the nuclear chessboard. Relations among the great powers are strained, and military exercises unsettle the architecture of global security. All these dynamics confirm the most current diagnosis: we are living during a historic level of armed conflict. If things don’t improve, what then?
Scripture prophesied this scenario. “And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not troubled” (Matt. 24:6). This command of Jesus is not naïveté; it is sovereignty. He does not deny conflict, but He calls His people to a purposeful life, free from panic. Therefore, as we usher in 2026, may our reference point rest not on the euphoria of the new but on the certainty of the eternal. Will it get better? Absolutely, and eternally. “Nevertheless, we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). For the Adventist Christian, hope does not ignore the alarms; it listens for a much louder trumpet. “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).
The biblical, prophetic voice summons the church to respond with mission, not fear. A swift angel announces the everlasting gospel to the whole world; he does not wait for stability to preach it (Rev. 14:6). Where uncertainty grows, identity rises. When violence expands, compassion enlarges. And if geopolitics tremble, faithfulness stands tall. “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28). Amid the storm, the Word anchors our hearts: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1).
Our pioneers have already taught us how to endure times like these. “A storm is coming, relentless in its fury. Are we prepared to meet it?”1 Those who prepare for heaven do not stockpile fear on this earth; they direct their lives, schedules, and resources to the mission. They strengthen knees in prayer, hands in service, and voices in proclamation. They also cultivate a grateful heart, for gratitude nourishes courage. “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.”2 Those who remember God’s mighty leading move forward with a supernatural conviction.
It will get better! Believe.
As we enter 2026, our feet stand in reality, and our eyes fix on eternity. May every home start the year in fellowship, may every worshipper renew their trust, and may every church reaffirm its calling. As the world’s noise increases, let us increase the boldness of our witness. If the maps grow unstable, let us steady our steps in the Word. And let us press on—grounded in the Bible, focused on the mission—without retreat. Until the precious day when “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Rev. 21:4).
Happy New Year.
Happy New Heaven.
Maranatha.
1 Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1904), vol. 8, p. 315.
2 Ellen G. White, Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1915), p. 196.
[Photo: Tor Tjeransen / Adventist Media Exchange (CC BY 4.0)]
The original version of this article was posted on the Adventist Review’s website.
