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The Reason for the Season

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

It was December 2017. It was the 88th Kansas City Power & Light Plaza Lighting Ceremony. The switch was flipped by two Kansas City Chiefs and a child selected from the crowd.

For many Kansas Citians, this marked the beginning of the holiday season. Amid the joyful, generous, thankful, loving outpouring of gift-giving and receiving, it is a hard time of year for those in need, whose resources could never allow them to participate in Black Friday or Amazon Now (delivery within two hours of the order).

As Christians, we talk about remembering the “reason for the season.” The reason is Christ Jesus, who was born among us, lived among us, taught and healed among us, suffered crucifixion and death for us, was raised from the grave for us, and who intercedes for us. That is the reason for the season.

And I believe the “us” is much, much broader than the Christian faith. I remain unashamedly Christian, but I believe that God’s redemptive love is graciously expansive, spreading much farther than any of us can imagine.

It is hard to believe that Advent has arrived. December 1 marked one year since I joined the Presbytery of the James family.

This season invites us to focus on Christ and the greatest gift ever given to the world.

“For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:16-17, KJV).

That is the true meaning of Christmas. That is the reason for the season. Christ came for all.

There are wonderful times of worship and study and fellowship and music spent with friends and family this Advent.

May God prepare our hearts as the Holy Spirit “flips the switch” in our hearts, letting there be light and joy and love and peace. Blessings upon you all from your Presbytery staff and families.

In Christ’s Service,

Fred A. Holbrook
Interim General Presbyter & Stated Clerk