Minister’s Message for January 2026

New Year greetings to all!

Christmas was great! And now, Forward.

January is important because it's the symbolic gateway to a new year, named for the Roman god Janus (beginnings/endings), prompting global reflection, resolutions, and fresh starts, while also marking significant cultural moments like New Year's Day, MLK Jr. Day, India's Republic Day, and fostering themes of creativity, awareness, and winter renewal (or summer in the Southern Hemisphere).

It is named after Janus, the Roman god of gates, doorways, and transitions. Janus is depicted with two faces—one looking back at the past and one looking forward to the future—making the month a natural time for reflection and planning.

Establishment as the First Month: Originally, the Roman calendar began in March. January only became the official start of the new year in 153 BCE and was later solidified by the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1582.

Key Observances and Holidays

January hosts several major global and national events:

New Year's Day (January 1): Celebrated worldwide to mark the start of the year.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday): A U.S. federal holiday honoring the legacy of the civil rights leader.

India's Republic Day (January 26): Commemorates the date in 1950 when the Constitution of India came into effect.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27): A somber day of reflection on the victims of the Nazi genocide.

Epiphany (January 6): A major Christian feast day marking the visit of the Magi.

World Braille Day (January 4): Raises awareness for the importance of Braille for human rights and accessibility.

Historical Significance

Several transformative events in history occurred in January:

Emancipation Proclamation (Jan 1, 1863): Issued by Abraham Lincoln, declaring the freedom of enslaved people in Confederate states.

Discovery of Galaxies (Jan 1, 1925): Edwin Hubble announced the discovery of galaxies beyond the Milky Way.

The iPhone Debut (Jan 9, 2007): Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone, revolutionizing mobile technology.

Standard Time Zones (Jan 1, 1885): International adoption of coordinated time zones.

Seasonal and Cultural Context

Winter/Summer Shift: In the Northern Hemisphere, January is usually the coldest month of the year, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it is the peak of summer.

Traditions: It is the peak season for New Year’s Resolutions, where people commit to personal growth and habit changes.

Nature Symbols: January's birthstone is the Garnet (symbolizing prosperity), and its birth flowers are the Carnation and Snowdrop.

Spiritually, January signifies new beginnings, reflection, and renewal, a gateway for aligning with purpose through resolutions and introspection, named for the Roman god Janus (beginnings/endings). For Christians, it's a time of celebrating the Holy Name of Jesus, Epiphany (revelation of Christ), and transitioning from Christmas joy into Ordinary Time, focusing on hope and spiritual growth amidst post-holiday quiet. It's a period for shedding past burdens, embracing future possibilities, and finding deep-seated joy in the present moment.

Significant Spiritual Observances

The Epiphany (Jan 6): Commemorates the "manifestation" of Christ’s divinity through the visit of the Magi and his baptism by John the Baptist. It marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas and symbolizes the light of God reaching all people.

The Holy Name of Jesus: In the Catholic liturgical calendar, January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, a period for adoring Christ’s presence in everyday life.

Imbolc (Late Jan/Early Feb): A Celtic and Pagan festival that marks the first stirring of life after winter. It is a time for spiritual cleansing, clearing out "clutter" from the previous year to make room for new inspiration.

In the faith community it is a time to explore new paths for service.

It is also a time to recommit ourselves to the sharing of the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are seen as a unified whole, reflecting God's character and demonstrating a transformed life.

As always Bruce is available via cell phone or email.

Rev. Dr. Bruce Sweet

My contact information:

705-209-3899

Brucesweet4@gmail.com