A New Year, A New Beginning
A new year often feels like standing on the bank of a river.
Behind you are twelve months of memories, victories, mistakes, and unfinished prayers. In front of you is a path you cannot yet see, but that God already knows.
At moments like this, many believers sense a deep desire to pause, to commit the coming year to the Lord, and to mark that decision in a special way.
That is why the Jordan River and the baptismal site at Yardenit are so meaningful as we step into 2026.
The Jordan River In The Story Of God
The Jordan River appears again and again in the Bible. It is more than a geographic feature. It is a place of crossing, change, and new beginnings.
In the Old Testament, Israel crossed the Jordan to enter the Promised Land, leaving the wilderness behind and stepping into God’s promise.
In the New Testament, the Jordan becomes the place where John the Baptist calls people to repentance and prepares the way for Jesus.
Most importantly for many believers, the Jordan River is where Jesus Himself was baptized by John. There, He went down into the water and came up again, and the Father’s voice was heard:
“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
From that moment, Jesus began His public ministry.
The Jordan River is a place where people turn, surrender, and begin again with God.
Yardenit: A Modern Baptism Site On The Jordan
Today, Yardenit is a well-known baptismal site on the banks of the Jordan River in the northern part of Israel, near the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee. It was opened in the late twentieth century as a dedicated place for Christian baptism and prayer, and it welcomes pilgrims from all over the world every year.
Walkways and terraces allow visitors to come right down to the water. Groups often wear white robes, read Scripture, sing, and step into the river to remember the baptism of Jesus and their own faith in Him. Plaques with verses in many languages line the site, reminding visitors that the Gospel reaches every nation.
It is peaceful, simple, and full of meaning.
Many describe Yardenit as a place where the Bible suddenly feels close and personal.
Our New Year Video From The Jordan
A New Year greeting from the Jordan River at Yardenit, a place of baptism, repentance, and fresh beginnings.
To begin 2026, our team visited Yardenit on the Jordan River and filmed a short New Year video for the Pilgrim Prayers community.
In this video, you will see
- The calm waters of the Jordan flowing past the baptismal area
- scenes of pilgrims and visitors who come to remember the baptism of Jesus
- Uri speaking with a representative of the site about what Yardenit means for believers today
As you watch, you are invited to picture your own life, your own year, and your own walk with God in the light of this river.
Why The Jordan Speaks To A New Year
The Jordan has always been a place of decision.
- Israel stepped through the river to enter a new land
- John the Baptist stood in the river and called people to turn back to God
- Jesus went down into the water and began His public ministry
At the start of a new year, the Jordan invites us to ask a few honest questions.
What do I want to leave behind in the old year
Which fears, sins, or patterns am I ready to surrender
Where do I need God’s help and guidance in 2026
How can I give this year to Him in a deeper and clearer way
The river that once marked a crossing for Israel can also become a symbol of crossing for your own heart. A place where you say to the Lord
“I am Yours. Lead me into what You have prepared this year.”
Bringing Your New Year Prayer To The Jordan
Not everyone can travel to Israel.
Not everyone can stand in the water at Yardenit or along the Jordan.
Yet your prayer can still be carried there.
Through Pilgrim Prayers, you can send a New Year prayer request that we will bring to the Land of the Bible, in and around Jerusalem and the holy sites.
For a New Year prayer at the Jordan, you may want to focus on
- a renewed walk with God
- freedom from something that held you back in the past year
- guidance for an important decision or change
- salvation and blessing for your family in 2026
- a desire to live more fully in God’s calling
Our team will print your online prayer request, bring it to the Land of the Bible, and pray for you as we stand at one of the holy sites. When possible, we can also share photos or a short video from the visit, so you can see the place connected with your request.
A New Year Blessing For The Pilgrim Prayers Community
As we enter 2026, we want to speak a simple blessing over you, your family, and our whole Pilgrim Prayers community.
May the Lord who parted seas and rivers
make a way for you where there seems to be no way.
May the One who stepped into the Jordan
step into every part of your year.
May His light shine in your home,
His peace rest on your mind,
and His presence guide your steps,
from the first day of this year to the last.
From the Jordan River and from the Land of the Bible,
we bless you in the name of Jesus
and thank you for walking this journey of faith with us.
With love from Israel,
The Pilgrim Prayers Team
