Monthly Message | December

Note: A version of this piece by Pastor David was originally published in the Holiday Edition of The Lutheran Letter.

“Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, [Jesus] said to [his disciples], ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” — Mark 6:31–32

When I was a child, I, obviously, loved Christmas. I hardly slept the night before as I counted down the hours for it to be late enough — usually 5 or 6am — to wake up my parents so we all could go to the living room and find out what Santa had left for me and my brother.

As a parent, I have loved seeing my kids’ excitement during Christmastime — the same excitement I had experienced as a child. In between when I was a child and when I had children, I loved Christmas in a different way. For years, each Christmas Eve, my family and I would go to my aunt and uncle’s house and spend the evening eating, exchanging gifts, and being merry. During most of those visits, there would be a moment when my uncle Rich and I found ourselves sitting in a room, just the two of us. And it was there, away from the noise and hustle and bustle, that I found the most joy for that time of year. Uncle Rich and I would just chat and catch up on what was happening in our lives. He always took an interest in what I was doing. I loved everything about those Christmas Eve evenings, but it was there in that calm and quiet time that I really felt comfort and peace.

Jesus wants his followers to find comfort, peace, and rest from the hustle and bustle and challenges of everyday life. Because it is in those moments of quiet and rest where it can be just Jesus’s speaking to us without distractions — speaking refreshing and renewing words of love and grace to you.

The passage from Mark shows that. The disciples have just returned to Jesus after being sent out to preach and heal people. They return to Jesus, and there is so much hustle and bustle around Jesus and his followers that they couldn’t even eat. Jesus knows his disciples must be tired, and he extends the invitation to come with him to a quiet place and get some rest.

Whether it’s the busyness of the holiday season or just life in general, doesn’t that invitation sound wonderful? To hear Jesus say to you, come with me to a quiet place and get some rest. Jesus does extend that invitation to you, just as he did to his disciples two thousand years ago. I pray that during all the wonderful events, worship services, gatherings, and just general busyness of this holiday season that you find moments of quiet and peace where it is just you and Jesus, sitting together, catching up on life.

Finally, my family and I wish each of you a wonderful Advent and Christmas season! We are thankful that we can spend this wonderful season with you — the St. Mark community! Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Pastor David