Andy Williams sang, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." And that certainly is our desire for Christmas. A time for enjoying family, sharing gifts, giving thanks for blessings that came during the year and, most importantly, preparing our hearts and minds for welcoming again our Immanuel, "God With Us," who has come to bring forgiveness, new life and salvation.
But this is a not wonderful time for many people. Some have lost loved ones during the year. Or had to dealt with a lingering illness that doesn't respond to treatment. Or struggled under an inflation that more than outpaced the weekly paycheck.
This Sunday's Epistle lesson is taken from Philippians 4:4-7. Paul enthusiastically proclaims, "Rejoice...the Lord is near." Is it possible to have real joy when loss or disappointment had been at the forefront of life. That's the question we'll wrestle with this Sunday during the 9 am service at Christ the Redeemer, 43rd Avenue and Olive. May God give us many reasons to rejoice this Advent season!
