Why You're Anxious

December 21, 2025


The four themes of Advent are typically Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

Pastor Patrick presented today's message, "Why You're Anxious." A video of today's message is here on YouTube. It may help to be familiar with the message but that is not necessary to enjoy the thoughts below.

Prince of Peace, sahr shah-LOHM (שַׂר שָׁלֽוֹם) in Isaiah 9:6. In Isaiah 9:7, peace is extended to "endless peace."

A sar, translated here as Prince, is simply the guy totally in charge. It's the head of the operation or organization. And it's unrelated to rank. You don't have to be the head-honcho to be fully in charge of something.

Likewise, shalom is probably more or different from what you expect. Yes, it can be translated as peace. And in common Hebrew/Jewish/Israeli use, it's a Hi! or Goodbye! that says all be well with you. It's the depth of that wellness that's often missed. It's such a completeness or soundness that nothing more is needed. It's a peace or tranquility that overshadows circumstance.

I see it as related to faith. Have faith/trust that God is in control. Don't sweat the small stuff called your circumstances. God is bigger than all that and will have the last word.

Bonus

Lights, Camera, Christmas (movie)



Lights, Camera, Christmas is a movie's eye view of working on a Christmas movie set, something a bit unique in the Christmas movie world. It was doubly fun for us as it brought back memories of when our teenage daughter was a nanny to the triplets that played the baby on Dr. Quinn Medicine Women. We got to visit the set and watch the operation in action one weekend, and it was quite an eye opener. And fun, too!

Our blog entry: Dr. Quinn Medicine Women.