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Dear Friends,

As we enter this season of Advent, we are reminded that hope is not simply a wish, but a steadfast light in the darkness. These days, it can feel almost impossible to find that light. We see the rising cost of food, skyrocketing mortgage and rental rates, and wages that often fail to keep up with the basic necessities of life. We witness our government making cuts to programs meant to protect children, women, and elders. We hear the ongoing cries of immigrants—both documented and undocumented—whose lives are too often marked by trauma, fear, and uncertainty.

It is in this heaviness, in the midst of these challenges, that Advent calls us to pause and remember the promise of hope. The hope that God's presence is not absent in our struggles, but walking with us in solidarity, offering a vision of justice, compassion, and renewal.

Scripture reminds us:

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined." (Isaiah 9:2)

This verse invites us to trust that even in the darkest moments, light breaks through. Advent is our season to anticipate that light, to prepare our hearts, and to participate in bringing hope to those around us—through acts of kindness, advocacy, and care for the most vulnerable.

As we navigate these difficult times, may we hold tightly to this hope. May it inspire us to support one another, to stand with those who are marginalized, and to believe in a future where justice and peace flourish.

With hope and blessings for this Advent season,

Rev. Gilbert