We celebrate the ability to say, and promote, our ideas and way of living before others. And we are angered when we are prevented from doing so, when we are censored by people who think they know better. But that is not a situation we must be angered by, or even fear. Our ability to live, our ways of living, the gifts of God given to us are able to be expressed in numerous ways. The question is: how will we choose to do so, and in a way that distracts the least from the true pursuit?

During times of nation crisis and confusion, as well as ambiguous leadership, people struggle to understand what they can do. We want to help, to offer aid and healing, but are unsure of what it looks like in a chaotic situation. But in the event of Jesus Christ’s baptism, the church receives a clue. In this revelation of God’s power and the Son of God’s identity, we understand the power and direction given to us so we might take on that challenge.

The season of Epiphany, the realization of God's promises to the world, comes just as we are entering a new year. Many want to forget about the things experienced in 2020, but is it in our best interest to do so? Do we ignore, or try to forget, the misfortune visited upon us? Or, look for where God is leading us in the midst of all that is chaos?

The telling of the Christmas story is one of the oldest traditions in the church, reminding each of us the way God has acted in our world for our good. But it is also a story that is supposed to bend and shape us, challenge and move us, as well as be a guide to us as we navigate the difficult parts of life. Above all it is a story that reminds us just how close God is near in our times of trouble and uncertainty.

The fourth week of Advent focuses on the idea of Love. In the rush to buy gifts, and organize events for the season, are we actually capturing meaningful celebration? Is love actually being expressed within our list of holiday chores? And what does love look like when our ways of expressing it are not possible?

The third week of Advent focuses on Joy, but what does joy look like when we are prevented from doing the things we like or are happy with? Is joy the same as happiness? What does God grant us in order we might express joy in this season?

The second week of Advent focuses on the idea of peace. But what kind of peace? From what or whom? And what for? What does the peace of God look like when we still face fear and anxiety over situations in our world which no one can control?

The holiday season we are entering is looking to be much different than anything before. Mainly because of how we are needing to change our celebrations, and understand what celebration looks like in our current situations. The first week of Advent focuses on the idea of hope, and there is certainly a lot to hope for! But is God’s hope just limited to what we want or need in this present moment, or does it change what we look for and how we act right now?

After everything we have been through this year, and the holidays starting to come up, it is easy to think we have lost and are missing out on something. But part of the blessing of losing something, is the expectation and excitement of finding it again! And remembering that Jesus is King, and Lord over all, today helps us to look forward to a season where we might receive what we need to keep going.

There is a present danger that is a threat not only to Christians, but to all people in our nation currently. A danger which might not be recognized immediately, but has consequences that could be far reaching if left unaddressed. But is also a danger with a cure already amongst us, if we only take the time to stop and recognize it.