It has been a year of ups and downs for me. As most of you know, I have had my share of struggles. I am sure that many of you have as well. I have watched as many of you have gone through health issues, problems in your circle of family and friends, and other bumps along the way.
               
This time of year, joyful as I can be, does not negate the suffering and hardship we often endure. We should acknowledge all those things and times we have been through. People need to be validated and heard in all those moments. Otherwise, they often cannot move on to greener pastures. As a spiritual group I am a part of says, “If you don’t transform your pain, then you will transmit your pain.” We have to reflect to deal with life.

I think that Advent and Christmas help us put all those things (both good and bad) in perspective. This is a time of year to reflect on our lives and look back. Once we take the time to look back, we can sometimes see how the hurt we went through has built us up and led to better times. As they say, hindsight is remarkably close to 20/20.

I would also add that during Advent, we take this time to reflect on our faith. We give thanks for all that it has gotten us through. That gives us the assurance we need that whatever comes our way in the next year, we can get through that as well with God at our side.

This is the birth of hope as we celebrate during this first week of Advent. Therefore, I truly hope that this will be a fruitful and peaceful year. I hope that you will be surrounded by the people you love. I hope for good health for you. I hope for an end to warfare and hatred in our world. Because of Christ showing that even death did not have the final word, I hope.
May it be the same for each of you.
 

Peace,
 

Pastor Matt