A tender moment – finding ourselves between the old and the new

By Bishop Todd Townshend

THE SEASON of Christmas and Epiphany are, in our society, a “Happy New Year!” time. Kind greetings and well-wishes are offered in a heartfelt way and there seems to be a bit of hope in the air.

This is a tender moment. Whenever we find ourselves between the old and the new, we want to lean into the hope, the warmth, the kindness of the moment. Gather with others, friends old and new, to “raise a cup”—taking a sip of this sacred communion.

No one knows exactly what will come in this new time, yet we have hope. Our hope is clearly grounded in the Incarnation, the event that we celebrate at Christmas, the birth of Jesus, Son of God. This gift of God’s saving presence remains as our one true hope.

I read recently that as we cross the threshold into a new year, fully in the presence of God’s Holy One, two profound truths about us intertwine like ancient melodies in the ears of the faithful. First, we are not merely people who pray—we are often an answer to prayer. Second, each one of us stands as a steward of divine mysteries. A lot could be written about these two truths but perhaps is best to simply receive them and watch for how God reveals the truth of them.

In this coming new year: may we be people of prayer and answers to prayer, may we be faithful stewards of the divine mysteries, may we find the courage to be kind when our hearts begin to feel hardened, may we be given wisdom to forgive even when wounds remain unhealed, and may we find the grace to extend our care to both friend and stranger.

Blessings for 2026 and beyond!

+ Todd