4 Days to Christmas, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025

“4th Sunday”

Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent. It may not mean much to those who don’t attend church: There are no thoughts of Advent candles, fewer thoughts of churches adorned in their finest, and even fewer thoughts about the deeper meaning of Christmas.

For those who participate in Christmas but don’t affiliate with a church, their minds are filled with tasks to complete before the big day—stuffing stockings, loading the tree with gifts, and grocery shopping.

They are also thinking about capturing family traditions and connecting with loved ones. Non-churchgoers will be washing cars, watching holiday specials and sports, and making sure Santa’s reindeer have healthy snacks for their journey.

Those who aren’t attending church will have plenty to keep them busy. We, like them, will be busy with all those tasks, as well. However, we will also have a church. Preachers will bring their best sermons, musicians and choirs will give their best efforts, and the Christmas story will be read from the lectern.

We church-goers are no different than anyone else this time of year. However, because we choose to add church to the mix, it helps us bring a deeper meaning to all that we do. This provides a different lens through which to view the world around us:  a lens of hope and love, joy and peace, faith and smiles.

We all know someone who isn’t, won’t, or can’t attend a church this holiday season. Is there anything we can do? Could an invitation help? Could directing them to the livestream offer a special experience? Does any of it matter?

Yes, it does. The gifts God provides through Christmas are powerful. We didn’t create them, but we experience them because of our choice. And these gifts from God were never meant for a few…they are for the whole world. If there was ever a time to share Christmas with the world, that time is now. Let’s offer the hope and love we know, and trust that God will do the rest.

“The true light that shines on everyone was coming into the world.”  (John 1:9, CEV)