Pastoral Message
November/December 2025
November and December bring us to that time of year known as the Holiday Season. Many shake their heads in disbelief that we are here again so soon.
Just recently, hurricane Mellisa has done great damage to Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. The hope was that since we were so far into October that we had escaped the wrath of this time of year. However, we now have a great need before us. We can only offer our prayers and respond as we are able.
With the holiday season upon us it can be difficult to focus on joy and celebration. But it can be possible if the focus is on the spirit of these days. The spirit of these days is God. Yes, the glitz and glamour are the outward signs: decorations, parties and presents. These are important as they bring joy and celebration. But these outward signs find their true meaning when they point us to the gifts of God which are the basis of what we do. The thanksgiving for so many blessings. The promise of the Kingdom opened to all believers. The coming time of joy and celebration before God without end. The certainty of Emmanuel, God-with-us. These coming weeks celebrate the presence of God in our lives in a most profound and special way. God is with us despite the world around us.
In November we begin and end with thanksgiving: All Saints Day and our National Day of Thanksgiving. On All Saints Sunday we remember our friends and family who now rest in Christ. The memorable hymn tells it best: “For all the saints, who from their labors rest.” Although these beloveds are no longer with us as in life, they remain with us in and through our faith in the promises of God in Christ Jesus. For Jesus spoke about himself as “life.” This life is the eternal life we have in God’s kingdom, God’s kingdom where there is no pain or sorrow, sadness, or mourning.
It is hard to say what the Kingdom of God is or where it is. It is best to say what it is not. All the suffering and want in this world, all the hatred and bitterness, all of this world’s negativity will be no more. Where is this kingdom? It is with God. There God will be seen, experienced and lived in all perfect joy and celebration.
In December we prepare ourselves to receive Christ. Christ has promised to come again and take us to himself. We also prepare ourselves to receive Christ as a child. We hear the promise of the ages that God will be with us, Emmanuel, Christ the Lord. It is this joy, that Christ came into our earthly life as one of us, yet more than us, by which we will have Paradise restored. Christ Jesus, Son of Man and Son of God. This is a holy mystery worth our contemplation.
May these coming days bring us the peace and comfort and hope that only God can give.
In Christ,
Pastor Combs
Luther Memorial Lutheran Church 