by Lisa Allgood, Executive Presbyter

“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.”                                             – Matthew 25:1-13 NLT

Happy 2025, my friends!

And no, I haven’t lost complete track of the calendar – I do realize Advent is over.  But along the way in my observance of my Celtic 40-day Advent, I realized that the cheery phrase we often hear at Christmas time – “Let’s keep the spirit of Christmas all year long!” – is completely wrong.

We need to be keeping the spirit of Advent alive all year long. Because Immanuel has come and has shed His Light on us and the World. And because He has promised He will come again, and we are told that they way to honor Him and His coming is to keep His commandments, and His commission: Love God. Love people (all people). Make disciples.

So my challenge to you all this year – all of us, all our churches, all our Pastors and Elders and Deacons – is to keep Advent alive all year by becoming deliberate, intentional, proactive disciple makers. To share the Hope that keeps us alive and the Light of the World come to earth and make it come even more alive in each other. To kindle that spark in as many others as we can. To keep waiting.  To keep watch.

To Bring Everyone Along.

Blessed 2025 Advent, people of the Presbytery – for you are children of the One True King.