December 2025

Letter from the Committee

The Strength of Optimism

Isaiah 60:1: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”

We greet you this advent season with prayers for joy in Christ’s light as we collectively celebrate our Savior’s birth and cherish the darkness-obliterating truth of His coming. What a gift we have in Him now! How beautiful it is to consider that the manger is also a mere taste of our inheritance in eternity.

The verse of “O Holy Night” rings true, “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices; For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn…” Do you know this hope? Is it real to you? This year has been a challenging one, and in the midst of difficulty, the vitality of Christ’s presence can appear distant. In the mire of tragedy, evil, or oppression, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the darkness. Yet, we’re told to take heart!

In taking heart, in choosing optimism, we are not to ignore the dark. To deny the brokenness in our world or to try and remove ourselves fully from it is foolish and destructive. We may live in hope not only because of His ultimate victory over darkness, but also because we carry His light, which He increasingly instills within us.

This month marks the 250th birthday of beloved author Jane Austen. In her novel Sense and Sensibility, Austen remarks, “To hope was to expect.” Our optimism comes from intimately knowing His goodness, and expecting Him in our everyday circumstances. He is not absent or distant; He is attentively near. He hasn’t forgotten about those worries that weigh upon your spirit; He is fiercely and faithfully reaching to meet you in your need—and as He breathes life and light into your soul, you will in turn be empowered to be His hands in reaching others.

What light have you been given? What darkness healed might be a means by which you can extend His light to others in need?

This Christmas, may Christ be the light in your heart. May He be the peace in your steps and the joy in your countenance. May He be the grace in your hands as you share His light and hope with others this season.

Merry Christmas!  

Your Stoa Alumni Committee,

Samuel Durand (AR), Nicole Kaiser (MT), Elizabeth Stapleton (OK)

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