What do you want for Christmas this year? It is likely not something that can be bought in a store. Join our congregation's writers for daily reflections, unveiling their heartfelt desires and dreams this holiday season. As their words help us lead us to the place of our own longings for this holiday season, they also remind us that in the place of our greatest Christmas wish, we will find God there with us.
Thank you to Bridget Gustafson. She has been a member of Saint Luke’s for 13 years but only recently started attending regularly for about the past two years. She attends church with her husband Doug, son Reid and daughter Ella.
Christmas
"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" -Acts 20:35
As we gather together in this season of joy and reflection, I'm reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. In the spirit of the Lutheran tradition, I wish for each of us the gifts of faith, hope and love. This Christmas, let us embrace the words from Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." May our hearts be filled with gratitude, our minds with peace and our actions with kindness. May we seek to embody the teachings of Christ, sharing love with family, friends and strangers alike. May we seek the true meaning of Christmas. In this season of giving and receiving, let our desires be aligned with the virtues of compassion and generosity, remembering the words of Acts 20:35: "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
Dear God, may our Christmas be a celebration of the profound grace and love bestowed upon us by God, and echoing these timeless messages of the Bible. Bless all of us with a meaningful Christmas. Amen.