December 16, 2025 - Promises of Hope

While Advent is a season of hope and Christmas is a season of joy, not everyone feels hopeful or like celebrating. Grief, illness, aging, depression, loneliness, unemployment, and loss are magnified. Even those who are not struggling with losses may feel the stress of preparations and expectations around Christmas time. Tonight, we come together seeking healing and room to share grief, sadness, loneliness, or confusion when these emotions often feel out of place during the holidays. In the Northern Hemisphere, December 21 is the longest night, the winter solstice. It marks the shortest day of the year, the official start of winter. Close to this darkest day of the year, we come with our honest yearnings seeking the return of light and hope. Bible Reading: John 1:1-5,14; Matthew 11:28-30 Pastor Rick Skare For more information about upcoming events and announcements: wordofpeace.org/announcements Support the ministry of Word of Peace: wordofpeace.org/give Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible Updated Edition, copyright © 2021 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Liturgy is reprinted from Words for Worship, copyright 2021 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress. Music reprinted by permission. CCLI 572829, OneLicense.net A724969,/1234567890-Film clips shown by permission CVLI 501782650. All Rights Reserved. Stock footage, images, and music licensed through Storyblocks.com