As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this week, we remember that the greatest gifts in this season are not the ones we can buy or wrap. They are the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love that flow from the living presence of God with us. In these holy days, we recenter Christ in Christmas, remembering Jesus is our source, our anchor, and our reason to rejoice.

Jesus still offers us a complete joy that is abundant, resilient, and lasting. It’s not shallow, fake, or dependent on everything in our lives going right. We don’t need to feel happy all the time, nor do we need to express emotions that we don’t honestly have.

As we continue through this Advent season, let us remain grateful for God’s grace and power that have sustained us, especially in the moments when life feels heavy, overwhelming, and uncertain. 

As we enter this Advent season, let us stay thankful for the grace that has brought us this far, with hearts still strong, watchful, and hopeful.  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).  When doubt and discouragement press in, we practice faith and hold on to hope as holy resistance. We refuse to allow darkness, doubt, and discouragement to have the final say

On this sacred day of gratitude, my heart is full as I reflect on the Lord’s unfailing love, which strengthens us, sustains us, and generously provides for our needs. As the psalmist reminds us, God alone satisfies the weary soul and fills the hungry with good things (Psalm 107).