From the Minister

In C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Lucy hears from the faun Mr. Tumnus that, “It is winter in Narnia, and has been for ever so long... always winter, but never Christmas.” The endless winter reflects the oppression of the White Witch’s rule, a Narnia frozen in sorrow and devoid of joy. The promise of Christmas, however, shines as a symbol of hope—the return of freedom, warmth, and celebration.

But imagine if it were the other way around: always Christmas.

William Dean Howells explores this idea in Christmas Every Day. A little girl’s wish for daily Christmas comes true, and at first, the joy seems endless. But by the third day, the excitement begins to fade. Sweets lose their appeal. Turkeys become scarce and outrageously expensive. Gifts pile up, gratitude vanishes, and people grow irritable. What once seemed magical becomes exhausting.

Howells’ story is playful and satirical, but it carries a deeper truth: life is meant to be a mixture of highs and lows. Joy cannot exist without its contrast.

When we turn to the Bible, we see that Christmas is never meant to be about endless celebration. It is not the feasting, the presents, or the festive decorations that matter. The significance lies in what actually happened—God came into the world as a child, Jesus, Emmanuel. His life reminds us that God enters into the reality of human existence, sharing our joys and struggles, ultimately leading to His death on the cross and resurrection. So Christmas reminds us of God’s love, in just the same way that Easter reminds us of the depth of that love.

Can it truly be Christmas every day? No. Life is full of ups and downs. But can we be reminded of God’s love every day? Absolutely. Jesus promises, “You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of time” (Matthew 28:20 ERV).

Even when the lights are packed away and the festivities are over, the spirit of Christmas can remain. By seeing Christ in every part of our lives, we recognize that Christmas is far more than a single day—it is a lens through which we understand love, hope, and God’s constant presence.

Rev. Rick