Dear NCTC Partners,

As we step into 2026, my heart is filled with gratitude as I reflect on God’s faithfulness throughout the past year and with great expectation for what He is about to do. As I spent time in prayer and preparation at the end of 2025, the Lord impressed upon my heart a clear and consistent message for the coming year.

This was not simply a sermon theme, but a prophetic direction for our lives and ministry together.

2026 is the Year of Light

This word is deeply rooted in Scripture and reveals both our identity in Christ and God’s intention for how we are to live and function in a world that is increasingly filled with confusion, fear, and darkness.

 1. “You Are the Light of the World” (Matthew 5:14)

Jesus made a profound declaration when He said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” This statement is not a command telling us to strive harder or behave better. Rather, it is a declaration of who we already are because of our union with Christ.

Light is not something we produce through effort or discipline. Light flows naturally from identity. Because Christ lives in us, His light is now revealed through us. This means our calling is not to manufacture light, but to allow the reality of Christ in us to be seen clearly through our words, actions, and lives.

 2. Jesus Defines the Meaning of Light (John 8:12)

Jesus also declared, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” When we examine the context of this statement, we gain a deeper understanding of what true light really is.

Jesus spoke these words immediately after forgiving the woman caught in adultery. The religious leaders were focused on judgment, punishment, and condemnation according to the law. But Jesus responded with mercy, saying, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” It was after restoring her dignity that He declared Himself to be the light of the world.

This teaches us that true light does not expose sin to bring shame. Rather, the light of the gospel exposes sin in order to bring restoration and life. Religion reveals sin and leaves people condemned, but the light of Christ reveals God’s heart and offers redemption. This is the light the world desperately needs to encounter in 2026.

3. Light Destroys the Works of Darkness (John 9:5)

Jesus again said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world,” this time while healing a man who had been blind from birth. The disciples immediately asked whose sin caused the blindness, reflecting a mindset shaped by blame and judgment. However, Jesus shifted their thinking entirely by revealing the works of God instead.

Light does not expose people—it exposes darkness. Light reveals God’s heart, not fault. Through this miracle, Jesus demonstrated that sickness, bondage, fear, and oppression are not God’s design for humanity. He came to destroy the works of the devil and restore wholeness to people.

Now, because Christ lives in us, this same light continues to shine through His body, the Church (You and I!). We are called to reveal God’s heart to a broken world, not by explaining darkness, but by manifesting light.

4. Arise and Shine — A Prophetic Call for 2026 (Isaiah 60)

With this understanding of light, Isaiah 60 becomes especially powerful for us as we enter this new year. The prophet declares, “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.” God does not tell His people to wait until circumstances improve or darkness disappears. He calls them to arise and shine precisely because the light has already come.

Isaiah continues by acknowledging that darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the people. Yet, in contrast, the Lord promises that His glory will rise upon His people and be clearly seen. This reveals a vital truth: darkness does not determine the future—light does.

5. The Blessings Released When Light Shines (Isaiah 60)

Isaiah 60 does not stop with encouragement; it describes tangible results that follow when God’s light is revealed. Nations are drawn to the light, and kings come to the brightness of its rising. This speaks of influence, favor, and divine alignment that goes beyond human effort.

The chapter also speaks of sons and daughters returning, pointing to restoration within families and across generations. What once seemed distant is drawn near again as the light shines. Isaiah further declares that the abundance of the sea and the wealth of the nations will flow toward the light. This is not prosperity for personal indulgence, but provision for God’s redemptive purposes.

As the chapter unfolds, we see continual open doors, willing labor, resources, and acceleration. Isaiah concludes with this powerful promise: “A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation. I, the LORD, will hasten it in its time.” God does not despise small beginnings. When the foundation is right and the light is clear, He accelerates growth according to His perfect timing.

6. Why Your Partnership Matters

Dear partners, your prayers and generosity are not separate from this prophetic flow. You are actively participating in the advancement of light. Through your partnership, lives are being restored, people are being set free from condemnation, and the gospel is reaching beyond geographical boundaries through digital ministry and discipleship.

Your support enables us to preach the gospel without compromise and to raise believers who understand their identity in Christ. We are deeply grateful to stand together with you as co-laborers in this assignment God has given us.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

 We thank You for the prophetic word You have given us for this year. Thank You for calling us out of darkness and into Your marvelous light. Throughout this year, we thank You that our partners will gain a deeper and clearer understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We pray that You would grant them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ, so that each partner may receive excellent knowledge of Him. As revelation increases, we declare that they will shine a greater light, because Christ is being more fully revealed in their lives.

 We pray for the restoration of families, and we declare that sons and daughters will come to their light. We proclaim that as they boldly shine the gospel of Christ, wealth and resources will be divinely reallocated toward their lives according to Your Word.

Thank You for every seed that has been sown into this ministry. We ask that You would multiply their seed for sowing, provide bread for food, and greatly increase the fruits of their righteousness.

We thank You for the anointing and grace flowing through NCTC ministry into their lives. We declare that whatever they put their hands to shall prosper supernaturally, by Your favor and power.

 In Jesus’ mighty name,

Amen.

John K. Cho & Paula Kim
NCTC Representatives
January 6, 2026