How to Make Next Year About Christ
A new year naturally makes us think about what we want to change—our habits, routines, health, finances, or goals. But for Christians, the most important question may be simpler: how can I make this year more centered on Christ? That does not require an elaborate plan or a long list of resolutions. It starts by being intentional about the things that shape your days, your family, and your relationship with God. Here are some practical ways to make the coming year more about Christ.
1. Start the Year With a REALISTIC Bible Plan
If you want the coming year to be more centered on Christ, find a place in your regular routine for Scripture. That may mean committing to a Bible reading plan, but choose one that will not set you up for failure. Find something realistic for your season of life, whether that is reading a chapter each morning, following a structured plan, or setting aside a few days each week for deeper study. Consistency matters more than starting with a plan so demanding that you abandon it by February.
2. Build a Prayer Life One Moment at a Time
Do you ever get to the end of your day and realize you did not pray much at all? A strong prayer life often comes down to habits. One way to build that habit is to attach prayer to something you already do. Do you drink coffee in the morning? Talk to God during your first cup. Do you take a walk after lunch? Talk to God during your walk. Over time, talking to God throughout your day can become a natural part of your routine, and those small, consistent moments can help keep Christ at the center of your days.
3. Bring Worship Into Your Home
Worshipping at church can leave Christians feeling encouraged, renewed, and ready to take on the week. But why should worship be limited to Sunday mornings? Bring worship into your home! Find a time during your day or week to sing hymns or worship songs together, pray together, and read Scripture together. These moments do not need to be long or perfectly organized. The more naturally worship becomes part of your family’s everyday life, the more often your home will point everyone in it back to Christ.
4. Take Control of What Shapes Your Mind
The things you read, watch, and listen to every day have a powerful influence on what occupies your thoughts. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” — Philippians 4:8
If you want the coming year to be more centered on Christ, be intentional about the voices you allow into your life. That may mean choosing more Christian books, sermons, podcasts, hymns, or Scripture—and cutting back on media that constantly pulls your attention in another direction. You do not have to remove everything you enjoy, but it is worth asking whether the things filling your time are helping you grow closer to Christ or simply crowding Him out.
5. Make Your Calendar Reflect Your Priorities
It is easy to say that Christ is the center of your life while allowing your calendar to tell a different story. Take a look at how your family is actually spending its time and decide whether your schedule reflects what matters most to you. Make room for church, family worship, rest, serving others, and time in Scripture before filling every open space with activities and obligations. You do not need a perfectly organized calendar, but being intentional with your time can help keep your priorities from getting crowded out.
6. Plan for the Days You Fall Behind
A missed day does not have to become a missed month. If your goal is to make the year more centered on Christ, decide ahead of time that falling behind will not mean giving up. You may miss a Bible reading, forget to pray, or go through a busy week where your routines fall apart. Instead of treating that as failure, simply begin again. Spiritual growth is not about keeping a perfect streak—it is about continuing to return to Christ.
Ready to Make Scripture Part of Your New Year?
If one of your goals for the coming year is to understand the Bible better, Bible 101 can help you build that foundation. The course walks through Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, helping you understand the major people, events, books, and themes so the Bible feels more connected and easier to follow.
It is self-paced and designed to fit into real life, so you can make learning Scripture part of your year without adding another overwhelming commitment.