Change is inevitable. Sometimes it is pleasant. At other times it is uncomfortable. Still occasionally change is neutral. In just the last few weeks, our world has experienced shooters in restaurants, theaters, and office buildings along with floods in our state. Our personal lives are filled with changes of health, family status, and possibly job situations. No matter what kind of change we experience, it is hard.

All change involves loss. And we have to let go of expectations, dreams, plans, and even a sense of control. But then…then…we can be open for the growth that is waiting to happen in each of us as well as our world.

During this time of Advent and Christmas, we can walk through the darkness of the shortened days knowing of our loss and our struggles to let go. But the message of this holy season is that we are primed for growth. We may not know what that growth will look like. After all, who knew that the Messiah, the Savior of the World, would come as a peasant baby? We know that God promises us hope, peace, joy, and love. We know that Jesus, the light of the world, is coming. We know that we are not alone in the dark. We know that God is present with us. That’s the message of this special season.