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Dear Pali Pres, This past week I was enjoying a lovely morning walk in my neighborhood, which is up in the Highlands. If you aren’t familiar with the Highlands, it is a nice residential area here in the Palisades with plenty of nature, beautiful views, and hills…lots and lots of steep hills. Anyway, while walking (I had already done the uphill part of my loop, and was heading downhill back towards home) I passed a dad walking uphill in the opposite direction. But he wasn’t just walking…he was pushing a double stroller with two young children in it, and a dog was on a leash tied to the stroller. The cute little girls were decked-out, from head to toe, in Christmas clothes: elf hats, Santa sweaters, green and red leggings, etc. They had huge smiles on their faces and were as happy as can be! The dad, on the other hand, looked anything but. He was struggling mightily up that hill, pushing that heavy double stroller with all his strength. He looked miserable. I felt kind of bad for the guy, but also knew his situation would soon improve. Eventually he’d reach the top of that hill or get to his house and take a rest. As I finished my walk, I thought about what a meaningful visual that was: this loving parent pushing his children, all excited about Christmas, uphill and struggling every minute of it. It made me remember that for some people this time of year is not so easy. Everyone around them may be happy about Christmas, but for some this season presents them with a mighty struggle. Perhaps it is because they miss a loved one who is no longer around, or because they are lonely, or because they suffer from depression, or because they feel weighed down by the pain, injustice, and worries of our world. For many people, making it through this time of year feels like an uphill battle. I hope we will all keep this in mind as we continue through Advent. Let us keep in our hearts and prayers those we know who may not be so hopeful or joyful this season, and for good reason. What can we do to possibly help them feel supported and loved? Likewise, if you are feeling more like that dad than those kids I passed on my walk, I hope you will feel the freedom this Christmas to express your sincere feelings to God, including your pain, grief, or anxiety. Celebrating Christmas is not a “one-size-fits-all” experience. God is big enough and loving enough to receive ALL our heartfelt prayers and hopes and needs this Christmas, whatever they may be, and will tend to them with tenderness and grace. Yours in Christ, Pastor Matt
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