Pastor’s Thoughts for December 2020

As we look out into the world, it can be easy to be discouraged, pessimistic, and even cynical. The memories from this year were not our
best. Or maybe they were; maybe they bring to mind opportunities to determine what matters in life but they are mixed with bad ones as
well. Whatever this year has meant to us it doesn’t take long to look around and realize the world is full of hurt, violence, and brokenness.
Sometimes it can be hard to see any silver lining or any light on the horizon. It is in these moments we need to be reminded most of the
greatest story of all–the story of when love came to earth, the light of the world. Jesus brings hope for all and hope for a better and redeemed future.

In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were
made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light
shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5)

The light of the world comes and shines a light and reveals what is genuine and what is counterfeit. So, what does this light reveal exactly? Jesus, as the light of the world, reveals to the world what God is really like and sets the record straight about who God is. As well,
He shows us what true humanity is supposed to look like, by both redeeming it and leading us to a better way–full of life.
As you enjoy your McDonald’s Peppermint Hot Chocolate, or my favorite Tim Horton’s Peppermint Mocha, driving around checking out
Christmas lights while listening to the Christmas Carol station, after you have strung your own lights and finished your decorating, please
remember that the Light has come. Even when the seemingly necessary chores to celebrate the season weigh heavy on you, the Light
has come. Even when we make the difficult decisions regarding how we socialize and celebrate, the Light has come. And after the calendar has flipped and we are looking forward to a new year, the Light has come.
Merry Christmas!