This Christmas we can make this a better world by showing that we care and helping others help themselves. The LIGHT of Christmas removes the fear of the darkness. The LIGHT gives us the courage to make a difference in the lives of others and the strength to show others a pathway from darkness. The LIGHT brings us the peace of love, the power to heal, the capacity to forgive and the empathy to care for others. The LIGHT gives us purpose, inspiration and encouragement.
What have we done to put an end to hunger, reduce homelessness, eliminate injustice, discrimination and unfair treatment of others? Have we used the LIGHT to do anything? The LIGHT was a gift to each one of us and with it came Faith, Hope and Love. There is no other reason for our existence? What have we done this year to become a better spouse, a better friend, a better parent or a better child. We are here to use the LIGHT to become a better person and give help to those who remain in the darkness. We are here to make this a better world, a better country, a better neighborhood. At times the pain and suffering has felt overwhelming.
Families have been destroyed this year by not only the pandemic, but by hurricanes, tornados and wildfires. Millions have been infected and hundreds of thousands have died. The pandemic has delivered a devastating blow. For these, there seems to be no reason for joy during this Christmas season.Īnd this year the suffering has been greater than ever. The Christmas season is tough for those fighting through serious medical problems, grieving the death of a friend or family member, or feeling serious anxiety or depression due to the overwhelming pressures of the day. For some it is one of the most miserable seasons of the year. Yet many are lost in the darkness.įor many this is not a perfect day. There simply is no more perfect day in the year. It is such a joyous season and the meaning of the moment does not lessen nor the wonder diminish as we grow older. Today there is magic in the air because tomorrow is Christmas. Our faith, our belief in a better day, that is what will get us through these times. We often felt like we were trapped with no way out. We wandered often aimlessly trying to find our way as the pandemic put its vice grip on the entire world. Never knowing exactly what the next step would bring. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. - Isaiah: 9ĭuring these last months we have all too often walked in darkness. Thank you for loving us so much and so well! Amen. Please pray with me: Dear God, Thank you for all the gifts you have given us. Thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. We send all of our Newberry College family, and all of our Newberry family, our love this Christmas and every day! Thank you for the love you have shown us! God Bless Newberry College and God Bless Newberry! Merry Christmas! Christmas to me means LOVE. You are loved. Today and every day is the day to show and tell the ones you love that you love them. It is your finest gift. God loves us so very much that He sent His Son to the earth to save us. God loves us so much that he wants us to spend everlasting life with Him. You are loved! You are one of God’s beloved children, no matter what. Love is both an emotion and an action verb. There is no gift you can give better than the gift of yourself and your time and your love. Merry Christmas, one and all, and a beautiful New Year.įor God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16Ī few days ago, I was reading online that some have forgotten the meanings behind the symbols of Christmas. Today, on Christmas, I want to mention my three favorite symbols and their meanings: the evergreen Christmas tree, a symbol of everlasting life because of Jesus the Christmas wreath, a symbol of everlasting love, round like a wedding ring and the Christmas gift, a symbol of the gift of Jesus as Savior of the world. Good morning, Newberry Family, both near and far,įrom Campus Pastor Ernie Worman and his beloved Annie, on this blessed Christmas Day, we send our prayers and holiday hopes, that on this Holy Day and every day forward, each of you live fully in the light of Christmas, filled with the love of God and the gracious intent of the Holy Spirit.