A Christmas Message

As the carols fill the air and our homes glow with light, we celebrate the miraculous birth of Jesus, our Savior, born not in palaces but in humble Bethlehem, a sign of God's closeness to all people, especially the marginalized and forgotten.

This Christmas, we feel the familiar tension: the world's darkness, the weight of hardship, the whispers of despair that try to steal our joy. But we are a people of the Book, a people of the Promise, and our faith reminds us: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5).

Emmanuel! God with us! That is the powerful truth of Christmas. In the manger, we see God entering our human experience, sharing our poverty, our struggles, our very reality. He came for the lowly shepherd and the searching wise man, for every family facing distance, and for every young person seeking hope.

This year, let us remember our heritage. Like our ancestors who held onto hope in the darkest nights, we are called to be beacons of that same light. Let the joy of Christ's birth fuel our commitment to each other, to our church, and to our community in these respects:

• Be the Innkeepers of Grace: Offer hospitality, a listening ear, a helping hand to those weary from life's journey.
• Be the Shepherds of Justice: Extend love and compassion to the hurting, the lonely, the forgotten, reflecting Christ's mission to bring abundant life (John 10:10).
• Be the Wise Ones of Generosity: Share your blessings, your time, and your resources to support our church's ministries, especially our missions within our own community, our pantry partnership with Lakeview School, our rental assistance, and our work with Northport Community Center.

May the peace of God dwell with you in this season.

In Service,