(Photo by Selma Komisky)

A Note From the Editor: December, 2015

By Sarah Komisky

I love Christmas. I’m one of those people who begin the festivities on November 1^st, is a fan of all things stop motion animation (who doesn’t like Rudolf or an Abominable Snowman?), and am a firm believer in listening to Christmas tunes year round. But, my favorite thing about the season is to discover a new facet of who Christ is. I love seeing the story of Christ’s birth from a new angle. From different books of the bible, with different perspectives of eye witnesses (shepherds, angels, wise men, parents of Christ), to prophecies in the Old Testament that told of His coming. You can say I love seeing Christ in it all! However, I didn’t always see it that way.

Several years ago, I found myself asking the same question Charlie Brown did: “Does anyone know what Christmas is all about?” Tugging on my heart and mind was the deep sense that there had to more than Santa, presents, holiday décor, and get-togethers. You see, I knew about the Christmas story and about Christ because I was raised in a Christian home, but did not yet know CHRIST personally. Many of you have probably felt like me, or maybe feel this way presently. A joyous holiday can be incredibly depressing if we are in that place. I say depressing, because, despite the season being “cheery and bright,” there is nothing that is substantial and fills your soul. The season that is supposed to bring the most joy can actually cause the most pain when nothing, not even Santa, presents, holiday décor, and get-togethers can fill that hole.

One of the things I love about the Charlie Brown Christmas special is that he had a great friend named Linus that helped him out when he was lost, desperate, and frustrated. Showing him the true meaning of Christmas, of Christ born to us as Savior, Charlie Brown was able to discover the true joy of the season his heart had longed for. It was the very thing that transformed him.

So, this season, I get to be a Linus to you. Our December Issue is filled with all the festivities. All the fun aspects that we get to enjoy each year. All the many shades that represent the true meaning of Christmas. However, you will be wandering around like Charlie Brown if you don’t open the greatest gift of all – Christ coming to this world for you to be your Savior. Three years ago I was able to unwrap that same present and, like Charlie Brown, found the joy I longed for.

So as a former Charlie Brown and now a present Linus, my great pleasure this season is to tell the story and point you in the right direction. To see you filled with the same joy I received and know is possible. To offer hope that I know is real and so needed. To offer you a gift God gave you this season. So, may you take time to unwrap and receive the greatest gift of all – Jesus Christ Himself. And may these articles be a reminder of Christ the center and joy of the season. They are a reflection of Him in every facet. May you enjoy Him in it all, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas!

Many blessings,

Sarah