Happy Friday, everyone.

You know, the Rose Parade began on January 1st, 1890, for a simple reason. People in Pasadena wanted to show the rest of the country that flowers could still bloom in January, and that while much of the nation was frozen, life was quietly flourishing here in Pasadena.

For those of us watching from places like Chicago, sitting in the cold, snow piling up, gray everywhere, those flowers feel like a glimpse of something missing—a reminder of what winter doesn’t usually give us.

Jesus says something similar about His followers. He says, “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

Now notice what Jesus doesn’t say. He doesn’t say people will know us by our arguments, or by our logic, or our explanations, or even our slogans.

They will know by what blooms in us: love, patience, mercy, faithfulness. When the world feels cold. When hope is scarce. Kindness is rare, and compassion seems out of season. But the presence of Christ in His people becomes visible. And that’s how the world knows Jesus is real—when His people still bloom in difficult places, in hard seasons, and uncertain times.

Not because conditions are perfect, but because Christ is present.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You so much that You still bloom in the midst of places where everyone has given up hope. Bring that hope again to us in this new year for 2026. Remind us of where You are leading us, that, Lord, You have opened up Heaven to all who believe in You. Bless us this day as we then reflect that life and love to others, so that they might know where hope truly blooms.
It’s in You, Jesus. Amen.

ITTT