December 24, 2025
Dear Friends,
During these last few days of Advent, and as we prepare to celebrate Christmas, I sense a strange reluctance on my part to leave the season of Advent behind. I want to linger in reflection, pondering the message of our Advent Scripture readings, which urge us to “stay sober,” “to stay awake,” “to be patient,” and to strengthen our hearts because “the coming of the Lord is near.”
This pressing call to live in the present in light of such an awesome expectation is meant to help us pause and take stock again and again of the witness of our day-to-day words and actions. This imperative is also intended to help us remain encouraged and hopeful in the midst of a world filled with harsh and overwhelming consequences of individual and collective sinfulness.
As people of God, we remember also that our hope is founded on the reality of this proclamation spoken long ago: “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
The First Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ brings us deep hope for today and tomorrow. In the midst of the vagaries of life, may our hearts well up with renewed hope and joy as we strive to live meaningful lives and as we await the Second Advent of Jesus.
Blessings always,
