Holiday Message

I know that just turning on the TV or picking up a newspaper lately can be disheartening. The U.S. and even around the world seems to be filled with coverage of a fluctuating economy, financial bail-outs, home foreclosures, a rising number of unemployed and the like.

It is in the midst of all these challenges that many of us at CHRISTUS celebrate the season of Advent, which helps us prepare for the birth of Jesus. In fact, many religions celebrate a holy season as the days grow shorter and the darkness seems to increase.

I heard someone say once that “it gets darker and darker, and then Jesus is born.” The Advent season is really about looking forward to the coming of our Savior, the true light. It is about pausing in the midst of darkness and waiting for the light to come. It is about showing up when we are needed and carrying the love of Christ to others who are hurting. It is about sharing the stories of Miracle Moments in our own lives in order to bring hope to others. It is about accepting our present challenges as opportunities for change and performance improvements.

It is no accident that Advent comes in the coldest, darkest season of the year, when we might begin to wonder if Spring will ever come again, if the challenges will ever go away. But while we sit and wait, we also have a chance to be thankful for the blessings we have received, especially our call to work in the sacred ministry of health care and being part of the CHRISTUS family.

The Advent season is one of waiting as we prepare for the birth of Christ, but it is followed by Christmas, when we take time to rejoice in the Christ’s birth and spend time with those we love while reflecting on a brighter future. It is my wish on behalf of the entire CHRISTUS Health Senior Team that blessings of Christ’s love be yours now and forever. Have a wonderful holiday season, and may the new year bring each of you much peace and happiness.