A Happy New Year to you, friend! This could well be the hundredth “one word for 2021” post you have read, so I’m going to get right to it… my word to ponder and pray over for the coming year is LIGHT. The opposite to darkness, the antonym to heaviness, a word to illuminate 2021 with hope after the somewhat dark and heavy 2020 experience. Allow me to share…
“This, in essence, is the message we heard from Christ and are passing on to you: God is light, pure light; there’s not a trace of darkness in him.” 1 John 1:5
If ever we needed God’s light to shine brightly in a hurting, fearful world, it’s now. This past year has been fraught with fear of the unknown but one thing we do know: Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
As December unfolded, I was quite literally drawn to light. I’m a sucker for all the twinkly Christmas lights but it was more by what I was reading in the Advent season—the Light coming down in the form of a babe. The shine of the star. The glow of the angels. And the knowledge that this Light was not seasonal—He is the Light of the World all year round.
And so I claim LIGHT as my “word” for 2021.
- To KNOW Light. To walk ever closer with Jesus, pray more, and trust Him in every single area of my life: “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”” John 8:12
- To CARRY light. Perhaps we have all experienced at the very least a constant low-grade anxiety through 2020… the heaviness has often been palpable. But Jesus offers true rest to all who come to Him, with the promise of the burden being light: “I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:30
- To READ light. I’m a reader as well as a writer, and there are SO many incredible books vying for my attention. But only God’s Word will offer light for my path and feed my soul the nourishment it so desperately requires: “Truth’s shining light guides me in my choices and decisions; the revelation of your word makes my pathway clear.” Psalm 119:105
- To BE light. We are called to be kind and courageous as we share the love of Jesus with those around us. And perhaps like last year, I’ll need to get creative with varying degrees of physical contact restrictions—but I can still find ways for my introvert-self to shine brightly for Him: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
“We draw people to Christ not by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it.” Madeleine L’Engle
I pray you will know His love and His light this year in a very special way.
And if you have a word for 2021, would you share it in the comments? We would love to know!
Blessings and joy for the coming year,
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Linking up with some fabulous encouragers! Check them out:
“Light” is such a beautiful focus for 2021. I’m still searching for the word God has for me this year, but that search is leading me to glimpses of the hearts of so many that it’s definitely worth it!
Hi Mandy, thanks so much for stopping by! The search is really part of the joy, isn’t it? Nailing down a focus, something you can return to throughout the year. Blessings to you— and happy searching! 🤗
Love this word. I have chosen trust for this year. Never before have I had so many things I need help trusting the Lord with.
Thanks so much, Lauren! I hear you… and our God is entirely trustworthy! 🤗 Thanks for sharing— blessings to you for 2021!
I have given up choosing one words for the year, but I really resonate with your choice and the intention to walk in the LIGHT. Thanks for sharing your heart with grace & truth,
Hi Carla— I’m so glad you resonate with LIGHT! 🤗 Thanks very much for your sweet encouragement, I really appreciate it! Blessings to you for 2021.
I usually have more than one word, Laura. I’m starting the year with ” still “, from Psalm 46:10. Perhaps, while we are still we do see the light.
Hi Rebecca, thanks so much for sharing your word. 🤗 I think STILL is a great word to help us intentionally look and listen and yes, see His light! Blessings to you for the coming year!
I love that Light is your One Word, Laura! It fits you perfectly. I see you as a ray of light already. 🙂 (And I don’t get tired of reading people’s choices for one words; they’re always interesting!) I’ll look forward to seeing how God will work through Light in your year. You have such a great list already.
Hi there, Lisa— you are so kind, thank you! 🤗 I agree, it’s always fascinating to see what others choose for their word and why. I hope to keep His LIGHT front and center as we head into 2021. Blessings to you!
Mine, too! And I love all your nuances. I’ll be sending out mine next Thursday. Love to you as you light up the world!
Hi Sue— I’m looking forward to reading all about it, word-twin! Let it shine… love to you, too!
This is so good, Laura! Light is a perfect word for 2021! My word for this year is create! 😊
Thanks so much, Tai! I’m already appreciating LIGHT so far this year. And I love your word CREATE— thanks for sharing with us. Blessings to you!