Tuesday Tidings, Dec. 16, 2025

Tuesday Tidings, December 16, 2025

Dearest Members of Bethlehem,

“For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” -Isaiah 11:9

“There’s got to be one more box!”  This is usually the line that precedes the frantic search for the missing Christmas decorations.

“It’s the one with the stockings, the tree skirt, and the special table cloth…”.  And back up the ladder into the attic I go. Trust me, just about 11 months ago all the totes were appropriately labeled and stowed accordingly.  Everything was organized, everything in order; so, how does it happen?

I am not sure about that, my suspicion is that it might be Santa’s elves.  They likely don their summer attire and sneak into my attic mid-July.  It’s then that they re-organize and shift everything, and tuck one tote away in the darker recesses of the storage space.

And why would they do this?  Not simply to torment me, but rather to force me into an intensive of search.  

Far from being mere frustration, it is a required inventory taking that forces me to look into boxes I haven’t considered for years.  There, in those spaces, are things I could likely toss.  But in other spots are treasures I had forgotten about, memories that tug at the heart strings and pull me back into sacred reminiscences that renew my spirit and usher in an unexpected sense of gratitude.

Yes, the prophet said, “For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord.”  Knowing just where everything is can be a blessing, but when something turns up missing, embrace the mystery.

As you open lids and flip through yellowed photo albums, you may just be reminded that the goodness of God has been ever-present in every season of your life.  We are so very blessed. 

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Dan

Gracious Lord as we draw to the conclusion of this Advent season, keep us vigilant encourage us to continually look for the blessed evidence of your coming into the world.  May we be inspired by your abiding presence to meaningful acts of loving generosity in these days. In Christ’s name we pray, amen.