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Pastor’s Note
Advent season has begun. This is the time of year that eager anticipation for things to come begins to set in. We long for the decorations, the gatherings, the shopping (well, for some), the gift giving, the eggnog, Yankee swaps, music, and so much more. It also brings the year to a close. We look back at what has been, what is, and begin to plan for what will be. It is amazing how much is done at this time of year, and all this is why we may feel so overwhelmed as we go through it.
The hunt for the perfect gifts. The anticipation of the look of disbelief as those gifts are opened on Christmas morning, and kids all over are surprised. There is no greater build up for a season than this one. Yet far too often the things that are needed most are the things we miss looking for. The season of Advent celebrates and focuses on these things, all which are wrapped up in the one gift we truly need to celebrate: Jesus' birth. In this one gift we find hope, receive peace, overflow with joy, and experience love like no other gift can bring. It is these four things we need most especially in light of the uncertain times we live in these days. These gifts God has given are for us to not only enjoy and experience but for us to give away that others may as well.
The gifts we give each other every year may fade, may break, be re-gifted or never be used, but the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love Christ gives us will never fade or be taken from us who have received them. No matter how difficult circumstances get, or how hard life becomes, Christ has secured our present and future and we can rest fully in Him. What we need, what the world needs, is not what we buy in the store or make with our hands, but what we speak and live from our hearts this Christmas season. So as you go through the business of the holidays, may your life give to others these gifts that you have received from celebrating the birth of our Savior; Immanuel God with us. May you find the time to give the gift of hope, peace, joy or love to someone who needs it this Christmas season. May we give them Jesus.
In His Arms,
Pastor Ari
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