As a year draws to a close, I often find it fascinating, as well as grueling and uplifting and gut-wrenching, to sift through some of the most profound work of photographers from the last 12 months. One is captured by Kevin Cooley (Redux) following a travesty that seems like a lifetime ago. On January 7, fires emerged in California, fanned by historic Santa Ana wind gusts in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena, killing 19 and thousands of others losing their homes. And yet, in this powerful image, we are reminded that new life can somehow rise from the ashes.
A caption was included with the picture: In the months after the Eaton Fire, flowers—including these roses found emerging from the debris of a home on Harriet Street in the Janes Village section of Altadena—were among the earliest signs of renewal emerging from the burned landscape. Nature’s will to return, despite such enormous loss, became a beacon of hope for the entire community.
After all, sometimes the Creation serves as a most captivating proclaimer of the Gospel: that, in God, life will always win out. Granted, that doesn’t mean the rest of 2025 was easy for those southern California residents, who seemed to have lost everything, some of whom even lost life itself. And yet, as one year concludes and another begins, we still cling to the Resurrection promise: that nothing in all Creation, not even death, will separate us from God’s love in Jesus Christ. And for some, that Divine care and adoration is experienced in nature. And for some others, there will be a renewed commitment in 2026 in enhancing appreciation for the natural surroundings or even a growing intention in tending to the Creation (as God continues to call us to do).
Regardless, out of one image comes a blessed re-assurance for all the years of our life: that, no matter how bleak the circumstances of our living, God will insist on some beauty emerging within or around us. It may not be easy to see, sometimes seemingly impossible, but the Holy Spirit will not give up on us or anyone else from experiencing hope. Because Christ is still Risen indeed in 2026, as Christ was thousands of years ago out of an empty tomb. Christ continues to live for you to rise with hope for the new year. So, from all of us at Divinity, we wish you and yours, blessings for 2026 and beyond!
In Christ,
Pastor Brad
To view more images from Kevin Cooley, please visit: www.kevincooley.net