Saint Athanasius Lutheran Church

This is the season of hopes, wishes, and dreams. Of getting something for Christmas that you would like very much. But one wish I hear more than any other -- and it usually comes from older folks -- is the wish that this year, this Christmas, will be like it used to be. Not so busy, not so filled with cares and concerns. Simpler. More joyful. Well a simpler, more joyful Christmas is what John the Baptist wants for you, too. And it's why he was sent. Not to treat the symptoms in our lives, but the problem in our hearts. And his prescription is this: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.