A Christmas Letter from Pastor Richard: Never Alone

November 14, 2025

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12b—NIV)

Dear Friends,

Christmas is often described as the most wonderful time of the year. This may be true for some people, but it’s certainly not true for everyone. It may not be true for those with an empty chair at their table, for those whose bodies are ravaged with illness, or for those whose depression is too much to bear. It may not be true for those who feel alone in a crowd, for those who are struggling to pay the rent, and for those who are worried about a loved one struggling with addiction.

God does not promise to take all sadness, hardship, and heartache away when we trust in Him; He does, however, promise to walk with us through the storms of life. The glorious truth of Christmas is that because of the incarnation, because God took on human form, none of us ever has to walk alone. This year’s Advent series is called “NEVER ALONE.” In this series, we’re going to experience afresh God’s promise that we shall never be alone and how this reality changes everything. Will you join us for this hopeful and encouraging series?

I hope, too, that you will invite friends, relatives, neighbours, and colleagues to some of our special Advent services, whether online or in person. Pray about how you might encourage a friend or loved one this Advent season. And then invite them to join you for one of our services. If they are more comfortable viewing services online, invite them to watch with you. What a great way for people to encounter Jesus! Please see the attached or enclosed schedule of our Advent services.

Before I close, please prayerfully consider your Christmas offering this year. If you could give an extra offering, over and above your regular Sunday offering, it will help our church’s ministry and outreach tremendously. For your convenience, you can give a special Christmas offering simply by marking “Christmas Offering” on your regular church envelope, or on the Christmas portion of your offering. In addition, all of our online giving options are available for the Christmas offering at firstmoncton.com. Remember, too, that those wishing to give through their online banking envelope can arrange this simply by calling the church office at 506-857-1113. Thank you for your financial stewardship.

May this Advent season be for each of us a special time of renewal as we prepare for the birth of our Saviour.

In the joy of the Lord,
Pastor Richard