Chaplains Corner: January 2026
- Brett Emmers
- Jan 7
- 3 min read
As we step into a new year, we pause to reflect on faith, courage, and service in the military context. This January edition offers scripture, reflections, and practical guidance for chaplains, service members, and families navigating post-holiday transitions, winter challenges, and new beginnings.
1) Opening Reflection: Courage in Service
Scripture focus:
Joshua 1:9 — “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Reflection:
The battlefield of life often mirrors the battlefield of combat: long nights, uncertain futures, and the weight of responsibility. Courage is not the absence of fear, but choosing faithfulness in the midst of fear. As chaplains, we walk alongside service members, offering spiritual resilience, meaning, and hope grounded in God’s presence.
Prayer starter:
Lord, ground me in Your strength as I stand with those who stand between duty and danger. Help me speak truth, offer comfort, and model hopeful perseverance.
2) Theme of Renewal and New Beginnings
Focus:
The new year invites renewal—spiritual, relational, and communal.
Practical prompts:
Personal renewal: Encourage short daily practices (gratitude journal, brief Scripture/minute of silence).
Unit renewal:
Start small group conversations about values, purpose, and mission beyond the next deployment cycle.
Family renewal:
Carve out regular family time, even during training or missions, with simple rituals (meals, a weekly call, a shared prayer).
Reflection prompt:
What one habit can I begin this month that will strengthen my faith and my relationships under pressure?
3) Christmas to New Year Transition: Post-Holiday Care
Issue:
Transition from holiday highs to routine global reality can be jarring for many service members and families.
Support ideas:
Normalize mixed emotions: joy, longing, grief, and fatigue are all valid.
Offer weekly touchpoints (short counseling sessions, devotional series) to process holiday experiences and regroup for the year.
Provide practical resources for reintegration stress: sleep hygiene, nutrition, consistent exercise, and spiritual practices.
Quick devotional:
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) as a gentle reminder to slow down amid the pace of duty.
4) Grief and Resilience
Context:
For many, January highlights anniversaries of losses or separations due to deployments.
Guide for chaplains:
Create safe spaces for lament and remembrance. Normalize grief reactions; avoid forcing cheerfulness.
Offer restorative practices:
journaling, walking prayers, or brief group reflection.
Care tip:
Check-in with service members individually; a simple “I’m here with you in this” can be profoundly healing.
5) Leadership and Moral Courage
Reflection:
Leaders model resilience ethical steadfastness under pressure.
Mentoring moment:
Encourage leaders to cultivate moral courage through transparent decision-making, accountability, and compassion for subordinates.
Action item:
Develop a short “moral compass” exercise for your unit that clarifies values during stressful scenarios.
6) Resource Spotlight
Biblical/Spiritual Resources:
Psalm 46:2-3; Isaiah 41:10; Philippians 4:6-7
Military-specific devotionals:
Strength in Service: Devotions for the Military Family" (various authors)
A Soldier’s Heart:
Daily Prayers for the Frontline (fictional titles used as placeholders—locate real, vetted compilations through your chaplain corps resources)
Counseling and support:
Military OneSource (military-specific support services)
Installation chaplaincy offices and behavioral health teams
Veteran transition programs and faith-based groups
7) Quick Prayer Prompts for January
For unit readiness with heart:
“Lord, steady our hands and clear our minds as we carry out our duties.”
For families:
“God of home and hearth, bind us with love across distance and time.”
For those in transition:
“Provide hope, purpose, and community in the uncertain road ahead.”
For the weary:
“Restore our souls, refresh our spirits, and renew our strength in You.”
8) Closing Blessing
May this January be a season of steady faith, steadfast hope, and generous love. May we courageously serve with integrity, care deeply for one another, and find peace in the presence of our God who goes before us and stands beside us in every assignment.
R. A. Farrer, USMC
Chaplain , Belleau Wood Tavern
Chaplain, Plus 3 Golf Foundation
Chaplain, Stones River Chapter, Sons of American Revolution
Tun Militia Commander for Murfreesboro, TN
Board Member, United States Marine Corps Reserve Association
TKE Order of the Shield
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