by Sis. Elaine Medina
Reading for the day: Luke 2:8-11
As a millennial, I’m thankful that I grew up in a time where phones were more of a luxury than a necessity. Do you remember when accidentally connecting to the internet meant incurring expensive charges? I’d frantically hit the cancel button whenever I’d see that iconic globe symbol, which meant that I was about to load a webpage. Yikes! I felt like times were simpler back then.
Every day after school, I’d rush to do my homework so that I can go out with my friends. We would build forts, have snowball fights, go sledding, and the cold never got in the way of our fun. If I’m honest, nowadays, I feel a little sad when I see that more people would rather sit at home and binge watch another series instead of going out and experiencing life for themselves. So many would rather watch reels of other people’s adventures rather than seeking out their own – endless hours spent watching other people’s lives while our own slips away. I’m guilty of that. There comes a point where I’ve asked myself, “What am I doing?”, and I put down my phone and yearn for something real.
It’s a great irony when we recognize that we are the most technologically connected generation, but the most disconnected relationally. They say depression actually reaches an all time high during the winter season, hence the term “winter blues”. It’s associated with something called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) due to the lack of sunlight and outdoor activity.
But I think it goes deeper than that. There’s a yearning in all of us, a deep-seated longing for something real—something that can’t be satisfied by a screen or the next trending experience. We scroll through life looking for a spark, hoping that somewhere in the endless feed, we’ll find something that fills the void. Yet all the curated images and filtered moments only amplify the ache. What we really want is something genuine. Something lasting.
That’s why the good news of the gospel strikes such a powerful chord. Imagine it: shepherds, watching their flocks on an ordinary night, suddenly interrupted by an extraordinary announcement:
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” – Luke 2:10
The angels weren’t delivering another fleeting distraction or temporary fix. They proclaimed the very source of life eternal.
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:11). That’s not just a story. That’s the reality we’re all yearning for: a Savior who meets us where we are, in the mess of our lives, and offers us joy that isn’t dependent on circumstances or seasons.
Real joy, real peace, real connection—it’s all found in Christ
In a world filled with noises, this is the news we need to hear. Real joy, real peace, real connection—it’s all found in Christ. He is the light that breaks through the winter blues, the warmth that fills the void, and the anchor that keeps us steady through the storms of life. This is what our hearts are truly longing for. And it’s not just a fleeting moment; it’s a gift that lasts forever.
As we celebrate Christmas, we’re reminded that the joy we’ve found isn’t just for us to keep to ourselves. This season is a chance to get involved in things that actually matter—things that last. Instead of getting caught up in activities that don’t really make a difference, we have the opportunity to focus on making an impact, like serving our community, connecting with others, and sharing the hope we’ve found in Christ. When we take the time to help, whether it’s through ministry or just simple acts of kindness, we’re part of something bigger than ourselves—something that goes beyond the temporary.
So when I feel that familiar ache, when the glow of the screen leaves me empty and I yearn for something more, I remind myself of the shepherds and how the angel’s declaration transformed their ordinary lives. The good news they received isn’t just a story from the past—it’s alive and real today. The Savior has come, and that’s the kind of joy that fills every void and brings lasting hope. Now, that’s something worth celebrating.
Reflection: What are some of the temporary distractions we need to cut back on? How can we build a real, stronger relationship with Jesus?
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