Once we change our clocks and return to Eastern Standard Time, a growing darkness will swallow up the sun’s rays a little earlier each evening. While we will miss the long sunny evenings, we are enchanted by the night sky and its stars. As the psalmist wrote,

“The Lord determines the number of the stars and calls each of them by name.”
-Psalm 147:4

As we journey through Advent, we will gaze at the stars and hear from various friends from our congregation, pondering their star’s unique name. Each thoughtful reflection will help us all see Advent and Christmas in new light. Enjoy!

Today’s reflection is from Dave Satterfield:

Comfort

The Advent star of Comfort immediately brought to mind the familiar carol “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” with the refrain:

   “Oh tidings of comfort and joy,
  Comfort and joy,
  Oh tidings of comfort and joy.”

This hymn reminds me of fond memories caroling with my church and family. We visited church members who could no longer get to church and I loved seeing the joy on their faces when a group of 20 carolers showed up at their doorstep! I like to think we brought them a little comfort with our visit and singing.

Singing carols is just one Christmas tradition that brings us comfort. Many of our favorite traditions such as holiday meals with family and watching classic movies like “It’s a Wonderful Life” give us a sense of comfort. Traditions are comforting because of the familiarity and fond memories they stir up, but more important than traditions, we can take comfort in remembering that we have the gift of Jesus who comes into our world each year at Christmas as a baby. This Advent star reminds us that Jesus is the true gift of comfort to us all!

Dear Lord, Thank you for the Advent star of Comfort as we look forward to the birth of Jesus at Christmas. Thank you for our Christmas traditions that bring us comfort and joy. May we remember to look to the star of Comfort when we are feeling afraid and uncertain and may we always remember that we have the Advent star of Comfort to remind us of Jesus and His love for us. Amen