There once was an angel who told some guys standing in a field two things:

1) Do not be afraid
2) There is Good News. In fact, it is JOYFUL news!

We do it to ourselves, you know? All those lists this time of year of things we need to do or see or buy.  Scan a little social media for five minutes and you will realize all the gadgets you might just need or concerts you could see.  We promise ourselves we will not to contribute the traffic or the chaos of the stores, but then wind up right in the middle of it anyway, even if we are just shopping for bread and milk.

My favorite Advent joy-buster is the brand new box of string lights that only partially light up. Grrr.

For all those working with students and their families, for all who have families or for those of staring down the holidays alone – there is good news, it is even joyful news. There is a Christ, born to save us from ourselves.

To save us from the chaos we create, there is peace.

To save us from the darkness of commercialized loneliness, there is light.

To save us from the heaviness of all that is broken in the world, there is hope.

So, be reminded of the angel’s first words to the guys standing in the freezing cold darkness of a pasture on the first Christmas Eve.

Do. Not. Fear. 

In the darkness, or chaos or stress surrounding us all this season, lean into the presence of the Savior and extend grace, offer kindness, love more and fear less.

Merry Christmas,

David, Colleen, Scott, Dale, Tasha, Samantha, Lindsay, Allison, Dale, Natalie, Jon Marc,