ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
December 24, 2025
It is Christmas Eve, and as we think about our theme from the Season of Advent, my hope is that the joy hasn’t crushed you or left you feeling crushed. We have talked a lot about the expectations we have, alongside the expectations that many people have of us, and of course, there is a very secular version of joy that has us chasing empty expectations that will forever let us down in the end. No sermon series or even four weeks of intentional work will make a person exempt from unhealthy or unnecessary expectations. It is about progress, learning ourselves, learning how to navigate other people, and continuing to strive toward what is healthy for ourselves. In Galatians, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have a harvest if we don’t give up.” I have always read those words in regard to expressing goodness toward others. I believe it to be an accurate reading, but I also believe showing ourselves some goodness puts us in a much better place for us to do some good among those around us. If we are chasing an empty version of joy or trying to meet unrealistic expectations that others have placed upon us, it’s going to be hard to do any good. Joy is rooted in the belief that I am one of God’s beloved, and I do not need to play some sort of game to earn God’s favor. I have it. Period! Joy is found in that realization, and from there, we can set healthy expectations for ourselves and work with others as they too set expectations for themselves. It’s sort of what the Christmas Story is all about.
For all the good work that has been done this Advent Season, we give you thanks, Merciful God. And for all the work that remains undone, we trust your immeasurable grace to assist us as we take another step and then another. Amen.
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