Reciprocal New Year Blessing

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) I grew up in a culture where the New Year’s Day greeting included a blessing along with the new year celebration. The greeting translates to, “Happy New Year, and may this year be a blessing to you.” Blessing members of the family is embedded throughout Scripture. We see generational blessing from Noah, who blessed his sons; Abraham, who blessed Isaac; and Jacob, who blessed his twelve sons as well as his grandchildren, Ephraim and Manasseh. This past New Year’s Day, my family sat in a circle, and each of us took turns receiving a blessing from the rest of the family. So not only did our children receive blessings and hopes for the new year, but Cathy and I, as parents, received blessings from them as well. Some of the blessings included staying healthy, growing closer to the Lord, developing character, and perseverance in a time of waiting. What took me by surprise was how substantive my children’s prayers and blessings were for us. As parents, we were truly spiritually challenged and comforted by the richness of their words. Children have a unique insight into their parents, and if we take the time to listen, it can both humble and encourage us spiritually. This reciprocal blessing, where blessing flows not only from parents to children, but also from children to parents, moved both Cathy and me. It also gave us assurance in the new year, especially when we are physically apart. What if you could try this exercise at least once a year at the beginning of the new year? It’s not too late to do so in 2026. To give our children a voice to speak into our lives is good for them as well as for parents. Too often, we believe spiritual formation at home is top-down, but what if it is reciprocal? Parents certainly begin the process, but eventually, children who have their own walk with the Lord can be used by the Holy Spirit as mouthpieces of truth. One of the prayers I am praying for Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church is to see households that are spiritually vibrant, where discipleship is happening through moms and dads and other faithful adults in the church. But this discipleship can also become a two-way street when the Holy Spirit raises children who grow in the Lord. May we bless the next generation by praying for them and loving them unto the Lord, so that one day we are ready to receive blessings from them when our years are many. Happy New Year, and may God richly bless you and your home in 2026! Pastor Jason Ko