Greetings

Here we are in Advent again, and it feels like we are rushing toward Christmas at an unusually rapid pace. It is clearly visible that people’s calendars are overstuffed with parties and events (including church). There is shopping to do, decorations to hang, and preparations to make for trips to visit family. I can see the stress on people’s faces and sense the anxiety that the holidays bring. The pastoral part of me wants to say to all of you: STOP, TAKE A DEEP BREATH, AND LET IT GO.

Remember that Christmas is not about presents, it’s about presence!

At Christmas, we remember that God gave us the gift of God’s presence in the birth of Jesus. Imagine that the Almighty entrusted human parents to bring into the world God in the flesh. This tiny child is a sign that God trusts us with the holy work of being human, of caring for family, of loving one another. At Christmastime, let’s take the time to stop and recognize Christ’s presence in our lives. Each and every day, the Lord is with us even when we are too harried to stop and notice. Let’s celebrate the presence of God with us, Emmanuel, and know that Christ’s presence will bless each day.

Worship Fully • Spend Less • Give More • Love All

This time of year, I always remind you of the four foundations of the Advent Conspiracy (adventconspiracy.org): Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, and Love All. This is how we can make Christmas more about God’s presence and less about the presents.

May the Prince of Peace rule in your hearts this holy season,

John