Pastor's Note

A HARD TIME OF YEAR
November 26th, 2006

We are entering what for many people will be a hard time of the year: the holiday season.
This is a time for high expectations, family gatherings, gift-giving, signs of love, and joyful anticipation of a better world. Those are all good things. Yet for others, each attempt at merriment or family warmth seems to bring new challenges.
Some families are experiencing grief; others are apart for many reasons. Lots of people can’t be with those they love. Some families are in the throes of tragedy, unemployment, or other bad news.
Here are a couple of thoughts for those who will find these holidays challenging. First of all, it is okay not to feel merry and joy-filled. Please do not deny your pain or feel there is something wrong with you. At the same time, see if you can find some message in the very event at the core of our celebration – namely, Jesus’ birth – that brings you peace. You may want to recall that Jesus was born into a nation and people who were distraught and overwhelmed by their status in the world. Maybe you can find the Christmas spirit, not in spite of your pain, but precisely because of it and through it. Jesus brings hope to a sorrowful world.
And a thought for those who may not notice that others are suffering: please take note of the pain your neighbors or friends are going through. Let them know you are there for them and that you care for them. Invite them to join you, but do not pressure them. And please let them know that their decision is acceptable to you.
Like a true family, if one member of our community hurts, we all hurt. It is also in the hands of the community to reach out to those who are sorrowful or distressed.