With so much busyness at this time of year – plenty of stressful arrangements, financial worries and the like – it takes being very intentional to remind ourselves of what this advent season is really all about. How are we to think about Christmas? As the prophet Isaiah says to a very discouraged nation, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. They lived in a land of shadows, but now light is shining on them.” (Isaiah 9:2)

At its heart, this season reminds us that God’s light will shine through the darkness and that no matter how deep and dark the shadows feel, we may take hope because God has not left us alone. God has come to us – light shines and the darkness will not overcome it.

As you celebrate Christmas this year may you and those you love experience the light of God shining through the darkness. Jesus is called Emmanuel, for truly God is with us!