(Photo by Selma Komisky)

A Note From the Editor: November, 2018
The Holiday Issue 

By Sarah Komisky

Stillness. It was in this place that the theme of this issue became clear to me. In all the possibilities of what the “holidays” mean, Jesus was the answer. I’ve had the opportunity recently to be in a place of slowing down the pace of life and scaling back, which lead me to many open spaces with God. Places of seeking Him and spending time with Him in ways unique seasons of life can bring. In this beautiful place, it was evident – Jesus.

I have been no stranger to getting caught up in the hoopla of it all and in this place of life. I’m currently in, a little older, a little more mature, I’ve found myself embracing more of a slower stride rather than running a marathon. In fact, I find myself more and more wanting to prioritize the Christ in Christmas and find the commercialism of the holidays to be more like eating too many Christmas cookies.

Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE the holidays. The food. The decorations. The music. The Get-together’s. And I promise you, I’m SO there for anything stop-motion! But more than ever I feel, how should I say it, a little like Cindy Lou Who in the movie version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The world can feel like it’s spinning in a holiday tizzy. Underneath all the holiday hoopla, I think we can echo Cindy Lou Who’s song, “Where Are You Christmas?”

That’s why we at Marked Ministry invite you to something different this holiday season. Ready for it? We invite you to slow down with us. Yes, I give you permission to put down your phone. Get out of the go-go-go and get in your comfy chair, curl up with that furry throw, and pour yourself a cup of hot cocoa (you can even add mini marshmallows, too) and enjoy this new issue! Invite some fam and friends along too and let’s take time to spend the season with them by making the most of it! We’ll look at ways we can reflect this holiday season, find encouragement, connect with God and others, and ways we can simply enjoy all winter has to offer us. In turn, we at Marked Ministry have come to discover Jesus as the One who gives meaning, joy, hope and purpose in our holiday season. That’s why we want to focus on the original Christmas story as told by our MM writers!

So, in this midst of the holiday hoopla, we hope this issue brings peace in a very busy season. A way you can unwind, reflect, get relational, and discover the Christ in Christmas and experience the wonder of the good news found in it! And may that good news spill into your new year full of freshness and newness in 2019!

Happy Holidays from the Marked Ministry Team!

Sarah