Blog:FOREST LAKE TALKS

How is your journey towards the manger going? Throughout Advent, we have held up the theme – “All is not Calm: Getting to the Manger” – to invite us all to move intentionally towards Christ and a way of living in the world that reflects the light and love of Christ. As I write those words “reflect the light and love of Christ” it makes me pause. That sounds all high and holy and sweet and safe – doesn’t it? Something that perfect, holy, good people do. But wait . . . . .

To reflect the light and love of Christ is not sweet, sentimental, easy, or accidental. To reflect the light and love of Christ requires intentional work, self-discipline, and a willingness to submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. To reflect the light and love of Christ doesn’t happen unless we choose and pursue this goal, and none of us are very good or consistent at this practice. But those who claim Jesus as Lord are to be characterized – in their everyday lives – by Paul’s list of the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.”

Rev. Shelvis Smith-Mather reminded us this last Sunday (12/14/25) that Christians are to Think Different, Live Different, Be Different. We are to love our enemies. We are to rejoice even as we grieve. We are to be patient with those that irritate us, and be kind to those who are unkind. We are to be generous even when we fear we may not have “enough,” and we are to be faithful even when those around us are not faithful. Christ followers are to be gentle with others in a world that uses violence and fear to keep people in line. And Christ followers are to put God in the driver’s seat of our lives, instead of allowing our own egos, wants, and desires to drive our calendars, budgets, and weekends. To live in this way is to be different from the world that serves itself or other lords. That is difficult, and none of us are consistent. The journey to get to the manger is never easy, downhill, or assumed. But Scripture says those who do make the journey and arrive to worship Emmanuel are the ones who are overcome with awe, who are assured of God’s love, and who are filled with joy and rejoicing even when all around us is chaotic. All is not calm. But the only true, unshakable, center of gravity that will not shift is found in the manger on Christmas Eve. Let go of whatever it is that prevents you from making this journey. Take up the challenge of thinking, living, and being different . . . . for our own sake and for the sake of the world. Come and go to the manger with us.