Letter from Katie • December 5, 2025
Madonna and Child under the Apple Tree, Lucas Cranach the Elder 1530, 34.2 in x 23.2 in, Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Dear Holy Comforter,
It’s hard to believe we’re already heading into the second week of Advent. Where did the fall go?
Advent reminds us:
Christ has come.
Christ is coming.
Christ will come again.
Jesus, our Lord and Savior, came to us as a child, born to Mary and Joseph. One day he will return and make all things new. And now, he continues to come to us—day by day—inviting us to make space for him in our lives and in our hearts.
If I’m honest, this “always coming” part is what I wrestle with most. I can believe Jesus came as a baby, and I hold onto hope that he will come again. But I don’t always feel that Jesus is coming into the dark, wounded places within me or into the broken parts of our world.
Still, the scripture readings, prayers, and songs of Advent remind us that even in our longing—even in a world that feels full of tears—we are not alone. God is coming. He is near. His love is stronger than the sin and death that weigh us down.
So whatever you’re facing this Advent—health concerns, job loss, distance from family, depression, disappointment—I hope you won’t face it alone. Root yourself in this community and in our weekly rhythm of gathering, praying, sharing meals, and receiving Christ in the Eucharist. Maybe use Advent to intentionally look for places where God’s light is breaking through. It can keep your flickering faith alive.
One of my favorite Advent carols is Jesus Christ the Apple Tree. My prayer is that however you are coming to Advent, you will encounter Christ whose love “causes our souls to thrive and keeps our dying faith alive.”
Please reach out if you need any other Advent resources or just want to talk and pray together.
Much love to you in the season of waiting with hope,
Katie
Jesus Christ the Apple Tree
The tree of life my soul hath seen,
Laden with fruit and always green;
The trees of nature fruitless be,
Compared with Christ the Apple Tree.
His beauty doth all things excel,
By faith I know but ne'er can tell
The glory which I now can see,
In Jesus Christ the Appletree.
For happiness I long have sought,
And pleasure dearly I have bought;
I missed of all but now I see
'Tis found in Christ the Appletree.
I'm weary with my former toil -
Here I will sit and rest awhile,
Under the shadow I will be,
Of Jesus Christ the Appletree.
This fruit doth make my soul to thrive,
It keeps my dying faith alive;
Which makes my soul in haste to be
With Jesus Christ the Appletree.
