Dear Church,

Christmas season is here! There are two images that are stuck in my head as I think about Christmas. One is a memory from an earlier time, when I was young and Christmas seemed to be the happiest of times. The other memory is a new one, in fact, one that just happened this week, and one that has captivated my thoughts. 

Let's start with the first one. I was young and our house had many animated Santa Clause figures that would move or dance or sing. Elves were climbing a ladder that was leaning up against our tree. An angel was always atop our tree. Ribbons, ornaments, lights, and presents were all around. And of course, there on the coffee table was a well-used Bible resting next to the nativity scene. My dad always knew that I would be up bright and early before everyone else (besides him of course). To prevent me from waking everyone in the house, he would leave certain presents unwrapped that I could entertain myself with until everyone was awake. And then it would happen...the one thing stuck in my memory would take place. My family would all be together, in one room, and there was intense happiness. The toys are now old and broken or out-dated, but the thought of my family all being together and enjoying the time with each other is one that I cherish. Christmas is special simply because of Jesus; but an added bonus is this time to be together with friends and family. 

The second and newest memory is this. As I stated earlier, this just happened this week. I was watching the news and a picture kept being shown. It was a picture that seemed to be photo-shopped. This picture seemed to be two totally different scenes somehow joined together. One scene was a bright festive Christmas town with a string of lights, festive atmosphere, and a feeling of excitement. Then the other part of the picture was serious, stern, and a disruption to the Christmas festivities shown above. Before I tell you more about the picture, it is important to put aside preconceived politics, stereotypes, and judgments regarding the situation. The scene was Ferguson, Missouri. The "Season's Greetings" sign was shining bright above the frightening scene below. Cops in riot gear, the National Guard, and a large group of angry and upset people. This is why that picture is so ingrained into my mind...for some people this holiday season is just like that scene. On the surface, everything is fine and the Christmas season is bringing its greetings. However, if you look deeper you will notice that the person's life is full of fighting, feuds, and intense depressions that unfold like a drama. 

Which Christmas is more like yours? The first scene of the family gathering, the simple innocence and excitement of Christmas, and the family fellowship that is healthy and fun? Or is your scene more like the second: on the top surface, everything looks as if it is fine, but deep down your family is in turmoil, there is depression, drama, fighting, and the stage is already set to unfold a deep division? As Christians let's look to encourage families, support people, and remember that not everyone has the enjoyment of the holidays. Let's look for opportunities to invite those to celebrate with us and check in on those walking in dark days despite all the lights hanging around them. Finally, let me encourage each of you, regardless of which scene fits you most, to embrace Jesus. Even if your family has the "perfect" Christmas, I encourage you to put your hope in the perfect Savior. Even if your family is full of pain and heartache, I encourage you to rest in Jesus and to lean on the church family of believers around you. I have been on both sides of these scenes. I cherish the old memories, look forward to new ones, but above all...I'm thankful for hope, restoration, and forgiveness in Jesus. Merry Christmas, everyone!   

Chad