Friday, December 5

I love Christmas in Chicago! The city becomes even more spectacular this time of year—the grand Christmas tree downtown, thousands of twinkling lights on every corner, and even the CTA train transformed with an actual human Santa Claus on board. Let's be honest—the faint smell of cinnamon on the Blue Line? That's a nice touch. Yet, in the midst of the magic, I sometimes feel uneasy. How can I fully enjoy the season when I know so many around me are struggling to find hope? In our city, there are families missing loved ones, parents who can't provide the same warm meal they once could, and countless hearts burdened by loss and uncertainty. When I think about these realities, I admit, I get angry. I get frustrated by this cultural moment. Sometimes, even in Advent, I begin to lose hope. But I look toward the manger. The coming of the child we celebrate is the King of Kings who declares in Matthew 28:18, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." His reign is not limited by human weakness or global chaos. His rule is steady, eternal, and good, and that brings hope to weary hearts. This King gives us a mission, "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This isn't just a command. Jesus invites us into His plan of salvation—to carry His hope that is rooted in the gospel to a world that has no hope. Notice how the passage ends: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." His command comes with a promise: His presence. That's what gives us hope this Advent. As we celebrate the child in the manger, we remember the Advent message is not only that Christ has come, but that His coming launched a new mission. One sustained and empowered by His ongoing presence. One that we all get to be a part of, sharing the hope of the gospel, as God is with us.

Jessie Salinas