We asked area pastors and readers to share messages of joy in this time of disappointment. Here are their uplifting responses.

Our plans, God’s plans

As we move into the end of the year, it seems the last avenue for hope and peace is disappearing due to a rise in illnesses and a renewed call for restrictions. Who has not had plans disrupted?

In the message of Christmas, we see that lots of people had plans. Mary, Joseph, the Magi, the shepherds, even Herod had plans that did not include the arrival of the Messiah in a stable. Their plans were severely disrupted. But all along, God had a plan. Consider the event of the star over Bethlehem.

God put His plan into motion way back when he created the universe, meaning he set the orbit and speed of that star thousands of years before he needed it to shine over the birthplace of his son. He set all of that in motion so he could communicate the depths of his care and concern for his most precious and prized creation: mankind.

The message of Christmas is one of hope, joy, peace, comfort, purpose, and above all, love. God so loved the world he sent his son into it, so all could have a personal relationship with him. He didn’t do it on a whim. He thought it through and planned every detail. He did all the work. All that we have to do is choose to trust him and let his light shine. This Christmas, choose light over darkness. Let his light shine, and let his plans unfold … and you won’t be disappointed!

The Rev. Cliff Eckhart

Blue Mountain Community Church

Full of promise

Christmas is a season filled with promise. Angels, shepherds, wise men and countless generations proclaim the promise fulfilled. The assurance that we are not alone. God is with us. In this difficult time we can live in the hope that our Savior is beside us. We can have peace despite all the raging feelings. We can experience joy even with social distance and masks. Most of all we experience God’s transforming love.

The Rev. Dr. Dean Frey

Pastor at Zion UCC in Lehighton

True joy

True joy is not an emotion, it’s the presence of peace and contentment wrapped in a spirit of happiness in the midst of hopelessness or discouragement. The joy of Christmas is Jesus Christ’s peace and comfort coming into the world amid that hopelessness and unrest.

It is not a day-to-day emotion, but a comfort that fills our heart during the difficulties in life. We celebrate the joy of Christmas that Jesus came to be our hope, our peace and our comfort, believing he came to earth that first Christmas ultimately to die upon the cross for the sins of the world.

Jesus is that joy that brings eternal life, so we can find joy in this world as well as the next.

Pastor Jeremy Benack

Grace Community Church of Lansford

Human connection

Yes, many of us are weary with the coronavirus hitting us all in the gut, some deeper than others.

What matters to me most this holiday season would be staying safe and having family members stay safe too with mask wearing and distancing. I have seen my family short periods of times, but these are such gems, especially now.

We need to be there for each other in these times. I also enjoy just spending time with my kitties at home; they give me much joy. I know we are all hurting, for food, for money, for peace, for just human connection. I want to say God bless you all and may he keep you safe and well. Look to him for your peace and do not fear, he is with you.

Mary Outwater

Nesquehoning

His love

My husband and I are not paranoid about this pandemic because we decided to put our trust and hope in Jesus Christ. We celebrate his hope at Christmas and every day, including Sunday.

Helping people strengthens us and sharing his great love wherever we go brings us closer to him.

We are amazed at his healing touch and how he has changed our lives.

Scotty and Susan Morrison

Palmerton

Being ready

We often say to our family and friends, “Drop by anytime!” They never do, but if they did and we knew they were coming, we would want to be ready for them. Advent is a season of preparation for the coming of Jesus into our lives.

What matters most to me at Christmas is being ready for his arrival. When he comes, I don’t want to have to say to him, “I wasn’t expecting you,” or “could you come back another time?” or ”I’m too busy right now.”

No, I want to say “Welcome! Come on in! Stay awhile!” I have found out that when I prepare for his arrival, he does come - many times and in many ways! And every time he comes he brings good gifts!

John M. Nonnemacher, CPA

Jim Thorpe

Hope of Christmas

It is fitting that we celebrate Christmas at this, our darkest time of year. The world can be a dark, hopeless and lonely place, as we know this year more than most.

The hope of Christmas is not in this world, but in a visitation from out of this world. That visitation brought us hope that God remembers us, thinks of us, loves us and has a plan out of the darkness and into His light.

How can we know the joy of the light without first experiencing the despair of darkness? At some point, the shortest day is reached, and each day gains in light as the sun makes its return.

Pastor Randy Parker

www.LehightonBibleChurch.org

Celebrating Jesus

What matters the most to us this holiday season is that we celebrate Jesus’ birthday.

Hannah Benack, 7, and Rebekah Benack, 6

Time with family

What matters the most to me this holiday season is the time I am able to spend with my family because of the virus.

Abigail Benack