Christmas/Advent
‘Tis the season to be…
Well, the next song lyric says “jolly,” yet if we aren’t careful, this season can instead be experienced as… stressful, debt-inducing, anxiety-filled, consumeristic, envy-laden, chaotic, crazy busy, exhausting, etc. The world around us can urge us into a mindset and pace that is counterintuitive to what the season is really all about. It can make the season of light feel dark.
The season we are heading into in the church is called Advent, a time when Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas, and a time when we prepare for the second coming of Christ. Truly, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Christians have been saying this phrase for many years, reminding themselves and others to keep the focus on Jesus during the season of Advent and Christmas. It’s been used so often that it can feel cliché, and yet it’s a message that we do need to continually remind ourselves of. Jesus is the One who brings light into our darkness. Jesus is our reason to celebrate. Jesus is our reason to prepare ourselves with expectation for the promise of our king.
‘Tis the season to be jolly, yes, and ‘tis a season to be full of hope, faith, joy, love, and peace- no matter what’s going on in your life, because it’s a season when we remember that Jesus was born to us; the light of the world, “Emmanuel,” which means, God with us. The prophet Isaiah said, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2).
As believers, the light of Christ is within us, and we carry the light of Christ into the darkness. We have Christmas lights and candles to help us remember Jesus in this way. We tell the story of Jesus’ humble beginning in Bethlehem, and we give to others to celebrate and honor God, who gives generously to us. We sing songs, bake cookies, and have many traditions for celebrating the birth of Jesus! Keep Jesus as your reason for this season, and may Christ’s light within you burn brightly! ‘Tis the season to light up the world and celebrate!
Peace, Pastor Sherry
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