May Our Burdens Be Lightened

May Our Burdens Be Lightened

For a child has been born for us, a son given to us;

authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6

As we dive into this Christmas season, there will be much to do; gifts to buy, parties to attend, decorating to be done, ugly Christmas sweater contests to be won and festive cookies to be made.

A time of celebration for some – a promotion at work this past year, new babies added to the family, good health and family and friends to gather around to share a meal.

Others are just not up for all the festiveness following a challenging year – loss of a loved one, more bills than money, health concerns. So, to put on a forced smile and do all the “things” seems overwhelming and quite exhausting to some.

When life gets all “lifey” as one of my fellow seminarians refers to it, it’s just too much. Maybe you feel as though you are stumbling in the darkness; this season we can each celebrate that Light came to earth that first Christmas and continues to shine for us all. May our burdens be lightened because the Lord has come.

This Advent season may you take time to reflect upon the reason for the season. May you find rest in knowing that a child was born for us, and He is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Wherever we may find ourselves on the spectrum of life, this is the reason we celebrate this season.

Christmas Blessings to all,

Pastor Heidi