In the Midst of Change, Christ is still the reason for the season
John 1:1-14 “The Reason for the Season”
Many of us have heard the saying “Jesus is the reason for the season.” The expression is an expression of the life of the church. From childhood to adulthood, we gathered many perspectives in the midst of changes in our denominational changes, but this expression remains constant.
Research indicates that numerous churches observe the possibility of Jesus becoming overlooked amid traditions, gatherings, and the exchange of gifts. Remembering Jesus may be the best thing we can do for ourselves, yet we seem to continue to lose the true Easter meaning on the Cross and the Resurrection of the things call Christmas.
While the land suffers from violence, unemployment, economic inequalities, racial tensions, and closing of churches, the denomination may need to rethink Church Multiplication and how the church mission to a broken world. Churches fixed by financial poverty and declining membership can become a question of can this be pastoral failure? I found myself reflecting on how God might view what we call Christmas, and the focus of our seeking meaning of structural changes in our church today, especially as we define “Middle Assembly” for Christian Restoration. I have concluded that if Jesus is not at the center, nothing else matters. Jesus is not only the reason for the season, Jesus gives meaning to life and is the life of the Church.
Some individuals may interpret God’s perspective as suggesting that humanity play a central role in the season, rather than focusing solely on Jesus. As I attended many funeral services of our colleagues during the past months, I heard eulogies of our condition in darkness, as a hopeful need for light, in our deep loneliness and longing in need of God’s love.” Therefore, as we approach the reason for Christmas, Christmas is all about God coming to us.
The reference to the Gospel of John, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God,” emphasizes the transformative power of the Word and its ability to bring purpose, forgiveness, and reconciliation. This perspective encourages us to respect each other as children of God and to find meaning in the chaos, even as we experience structural changes in our church communities.
Celebrating Jesus as a daily experience and recognizing Him as the reason for the season, even amidst unexpected changes, is a powerful message. It reminds us to focus on God’s love and the true meaning of Christmas as a Regional Synod even in the midst of the structural messes of change.
Continue to seek care for your Spirit and Health as we welcome the Advent and Christmas Seasons of the church.
Rev. Dr. Micheal Edwards, Executive Minister