12/22/2021
A number of years ago, I stumbled on some writings and sketches of the “StoryPeople” by Brian Andreas, and he made me laugh and nod and ponder. At this time of year, I always think of this one about the “Season of Joy: She asked me when the season of joy was supposed to end & I said I didn't really think there was an exact date, so we left the tree up till June that year.” And it helps me remember that the “Christmas spirit” that causes us to sing and give and visit is not about December 25th or any season of the year. We who love and believe in Christ, even though we do not see Him, “are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8). We who journey to Bethlehem at this time of the year (even if we also made some trips to the mall) have heard the “good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). I don’t know the end date for the “season of joy” at the good news that Christ came into this world to bring light and truth and love. When I was a kid, we sometimes left our Christmas tree up until Groundhog Day (my father’s idea), but I hope we can all take the good news of Christ into the new year and past Groundhog Day or Mother’s Day or Independence Day. I hope we hear angels singing glory to God in August, and I hope we, like the shepherds, run to Christ from our fields or our workplaces or our homes in May, July and September. May your season of joy in knowing and loving the living Christ never end! Pastor Karen
