Sherry Sterling

Dear friends,

Today marks the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, when darkness almost overtakes the light. But in the days to come, the nights will shorten, the light will come again, and we will celebrate the Light of God coming into the world through Jesus.

There’s a comfort in the return of the warmth and light of the sun. On a deep level, we are reassured with the growing presence of the sun, that we can sustain life on this earth, that we’ll be able to grow food, find warmth, and see where we are going.

In the gospel reading for today, Jesus extends spiritual warmth and comfort as the Son of God. After predicting his death and betrayal, he tells his disciples, Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. He says he will prepare a place for them in his Father’s house, and I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.

We want to be with those we love. There’s a comfort in closeness. And sometimes, only that special someone will do. But sometimes, that certain someone is unreachable, through death, disagreement, dementia, deployment—so many causes for distance between us. In the midst of human disconnection, we have heavenly help: Jesus promises, where I am, there you may be also. Isn’t that the longing of our hearts? To be with those we love and know love us. Jesus offers us that love and that close company, saying (I) will take you to myself.

As Christmas draws near, whether we find ourselves with others or alone, may we draw ever nearer to God who offers comfort and presence, through his son, Jesus.

Peace and love,

—Sherry