Turn Up the Wattage: Let Your Light Shine in 2026
This message reminds believers that they are called to be the light of the world because Christ’s light lives within them. Drawing from Matthew 5:14–16 and John 1:5, it encourages the congregation to let their faith shine through love, good works, and service to others. The Pastor emphasizes that no darkness can ever extinguish the light of Jesus and challenges the congregation to “turn up the wattage” by letting their light shine more boldly in 2026. Together, the church can illuminate the world by reflecting God’s hope and love wherever they go.
Transcript
The Custom of the Watchword
This year, our watchword comes from two verses of Scripture—verses meant to be kept close to us all year long. They are not only our congregational watchword but also our personal watchword.
Are you ready to hear them?
As we’ve come through this season of celebrating Christ’s birth, we’ve heard much about the Light of the World—the light that shines in the darkness. The first part of our watchword comes from the fifth chapter of Matthew, beginning at verse 14. These are the words of Jesus, spoken to His followers then and to us now through God’s Word.
Before we read them, remember that a watchword is a specific portion of Scripture that we focus on during the year, something we strive to live out in our daily lives.
Jesus says in Matthew 5:14–16:
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Jesus knew that He was the Light of the world, sent to bring light into the darkness. But here He tells His followers—those who believe in Him—that we are now that light, because He lives within us.
So, all who love and follow Jesus have this instruction for the year ahead: be the light of Christ in this world.
Let His goodness shine through your actions. Do the work He has called you to do—not to earn salvation, but in thankful response to it. Show love. Care for others. Provide for those in need. And when people ask why you do these things, let them know it’s because Jesus loved us first.
We are called to shine—not to hide our light, but to share it. So for us in 2026, the question is this: How will you let your light shine?
The second part of our watchword comes from the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verse 5. I love the way the ESV translation puts it, because it declares a wonderful truth:
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
This verse reminds us that the light of Jesus has been in the world since creation—and the darkness has never, ever extinguished it. No wind has blown it out, no hatred or hardship has overcome it, and no temptation can put it out.
So when you carry the light of Jesus into this world—no matter what you face, no matter the trials or the cruelty around you—remember this: His light cannot be extinguished. Jesus is ever with you, and He will work through you.
Right now, this world is a dark place. It desperately needs the light of Christ. My encouragement for you this year is simple: turn up the wattage.
You know in our modern world, we talk about light in terms of lumens or watts. A flashlight with 50 lumens doesn’t do much, but one with 400 shines brightly. As we grow older, we realize we need more light to read and see clearly. In the same way, this world—as it grows older and dimmer—needs more and more light.
Each of us represents a “watt” or a “lumen” in God’s light. When we come together as a congregation, we shine even brighter. The more we pray together, serve together, study Scripture together, and encourage one another—the more radiant the light of Christ becomes in and through us.
But don’t hide your light under a basket. This church is a place of light, yes, but the light isn’t meant to stay here—it’s meant to dispel darkness beyond these walls. That’s our calling.
It is our time, as followers of Jesus, as the church of Christ, to go out and push back the darkness. It’s time to shine like never before. Take that light from under the basket and let it illuminate the world.
Let the light of Jesus shine in your words, in your actions, and in your kindness. Let people see your good works and be drawn to the same light you carry within you—the light of Christ.
So this year, People of Hope, let’s kick it up a notch. Let’s shine brighter. Put another log on the fire. Bring more lamps into the room.
Shine for Jesus. Shine His hope. Shine His love.
Amen.