November 2025 Newsletter
Love at the Heart of the Holiday Season
We have entered into a special time of year often called the "Holiday Season." Homes are decorated, calendars fill up with gatherings, the wonderful smell of food and there's a sense of anticipation in the air. But in the midst of all the activity, let's pause and ask ourselves an important question: What does this season mean to me? Is this time just about me and my comfort, or does it involve reaching out to others with the love of Christ?
The Gift of Family
In our Christian walk, we understand how deeply love binds us together as families. God created families to be a source of encouragement, comfort, and strength. Family is where we first experience God's love, and it's within this safe place that we can grow and thrive.
During the holiday season especially, we should learn to cultivate this love, ensuring it remains strong and unconditional—just as God's love is for us. The Bible calls us to express love not just in kind actions but also through words and support. Together, we can create families filled with love, resonating with God's grace.
What Love Looks Like
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
These aren't just beautiful words—they're a practical guide for how we can love our families well during this busy season. What would it look like to be more patient with a frustrated child? To speak kind words to an exhausted spouse? To let go of past hurts and choose hope instead?
Making It Practical
Here are some simple ways to express love to your family this holiday season:
Slow down together - Choose one evening to turn off devices, light some candles, and simply talk and listen to each other
Serve as a family - Find a way to bless another family or individual in need together
Speak life - Make it a daily practice to tell each family member something specific you appreciate about them
Create space for others - Invite someone who might be alone during the holidays to join your family celebration
Beyond Our Four Walls
I want to encourage you to allow God to use you during this "Holiday Season" to enjoy and bless your immediate family as well as the families surrounding you. Let's take this time to love those around us as Jesus does. After all, we are the hands and feet and the mouth of Jesus in the earth!
This might mean inviting a lonely neighbor for dinner, checking in on an elderly church member, or simply offering a listening ear to someone who's struggling. When we extend love beyond our immediate circle, we reflect the heart of Christ who came to bring hope and peace to all.
This holiday season, let's make it about more than traditions and celebrations. Let's make it about love—the kind of love that changes hearts, strengthens families, and draws others to Jesus.
You are valuable, precious, special and important!!
Blessings, Pastor Danny
