December 2025 | 'Tis the Season

​‘Tis the season to be...

Well, the next song lyric says "jolly," yet if we aren’t careful, this season can easily become something very different. Instead of joy, it can feel stressful, debt-inducing, anxiety-filled, consumeristic, envy-laden,    chaotic, crazy busy, and exhausting. The world around us pushes us toward a mindset and pace that is counter to the heart of this season. It can make the season of light feel strangely dark.

In the church, the season we are entering 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 sometimes feel cliché, but it's a reminder we truly do need.  Jesus is the One who brings light into our darkness. Jesus is our reason to celebrate. Jesus is our reason to prepare our hearts with expectation for the coming of our King .
‘Tis the season to be jolly, yes- but also the season to be hopeful, peace-filled, joyful, and loving. 'Tis the season to hold on to your faith- no matter what’s going on in your life, because we remember that Jesus was born for us- the Light of the World, Emmanuel, which means, "God with us."  As the prophet Isaiah proclaimed,

 “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. We carry the light of Christ into the darkness of the world. Christmas lights, candles, and our cherished traditions remind us of this reality. We tell the story of Jesus’ humble birth in Bethlehem. 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- shining Christ's light everywhere we go!

So 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, to carry hope, and to celebrate the One who came to save us!

Peace,
Pastor Sherry