Message from Pastor Fitting-Snyder

As we step into a new year, I’ve been reflecting on the intentions we carry with us into 2026. I entered this year with a personal resolution: to be more positive in my work life, personal life, and in my relationships, and to resist the pull of constant cynicism. And yet, as we are only about two weeks into the New year, this intention has already tested me. The state of the world feels heavy. The news cycle is relentless. Conflict, division, fear, and uncertainty seem to press in from every direction. Some days it feels almost naïve to talk about positivity when so much feels broken or overwhelming.

And yet, this is precisely where our faith speaks most clearly.

As Christians, the imagery of light in the midst of darkness is nothing new. Scripture returns to it again and again, reminding us that God’s light is not dependent on the world being calm, peaceful, or easy. In fact, light matters most when the darkness feels most present. Being the light of Christ is not about denying the reality of the world’s pain, but about choosing to bear hope within it.

This calling is given to us in a powerful and tangible way at baptism. In the baptismal liturgy, a candle is placed into our hands with the words, “Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” From the very beginning of our life in Christ, we are entrusted with light—not as something to hoard, but something to share, so that others might glimpse Christ’s love through us.

Talking about the light of Christ is especially fitting this time of year. Even though Christmas may feel long past and our attention is already beginning to turn toward Lent, the church calendar offers us another gift on February 2: the Festival of Candlemas.

Candlemas commemorates Mary and Joseph bringing Jesus to the Temple in accordance with Jewish law, and it marks the moment when Jesus is publicly recognized as the light sent into the world. Historically, Candlemas also includes the blessing of candles—candles that were then used in worship and in homes throughout the year as a reminder of Christ’s presence.

The celebration of this day dates back to the fourth century in Jerusalem, where people carried candles in procession, had them blessed, and then took them home. The symbolism is simple but profound: the light of Christ does not stay confined to the Temple or the church building. It is carried out into daily life, into ordinary homes, into a world that desperately needs it.

In Luke 2:22–40, we encounter Simeon and Anna, two faithful elders who recognize the infant Jesus for who he truly is. Simeon praises God, calling Jesus “a light for revelation to the Gentiles,” and Anna responds by speaking about the child to all who were looking for redemption. Their response to the light they encounter is not silence or passivity—it is praise, prayer, and proclamation. They share what they have witnessed, trusting that God’s light is meant to be seen.

Candlemas offers us an opportunity to do the same. I invite you to read Luke 2:22–40 and spend some time with this story. Light a candle—or turn on a battery-powered one—and sit in quiet reflection. Where do you see God-with-us in your own life right now, even amid uncertainty or heaviness? How have you experienced Christ’s presence in ways that surprised you, sustained you, or gently nudged you forward?

Then, consider how you might share that light with others. This could be as simple as placing a candle in your window as a sign of hope. It might mean giving a candle to someone who is grieving, struggling, or feeling alone. Or it could take shape in less visible but equally powerful ways—acts of kindness, words of encouragement, generosity, patience, or showing up for someone when it would be easier to withdraw.

Candlemas also reminds us that sharing light does not mean burning ourselves out. Even as we give light to others, we are invited to tend our own flame. Continue the practice of lighting your own candle—literally or figuratively—as a reminder that God is present with you. The light you carry is not generated by your own strength or positivity, but by Christ, who meets us exactly where we are.

In a world that feels heavy, choosing to bring light is a profound act of faith. Candlemas gives us a moment to pause, to breathe, and to recommit ourselves to living as people of hope—not because everything is easy, but because Christ is with us. May we lean into that light together, and may it shine in, you, in your congregation, and in the synod, in ways both seen and unseen. 

Below are just a few snapshots of places where light has shown in 2025 that I will continue to carry into 2026.

In the light of Christ, 

Pastor Kelsey

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NT-NL synod staff are excited to engage in-person on Sundays for worship. As good stewards of time and travel dollars, we will be utilizing online meeting formats in our new hybrid reality when possible. If you would like to schedule a meeting with the bishop or Synod staff please contact them directly.

Bishop Gronberg:

January 18: Central, Dallas
January 24: Parish Lay Ministry Academy Graduation Service, Good Shepherd, Irving
January 31: Texas Lutheran University Corporation Board Meeting, Seguin

Pastora Bañales:

January 15: DEM Advisory Team Meeting
January 22: ELCA & UMC Fresh Expression Planning Team
January 24: PLMA Graduation, Good Shepherd, Irving
January 25: First Sagrada Familia, Garland
January 29: Brite Divinity School: “The Foreigner Among Us” Bass Conference Center, Fort Worth

Pastor Fitting-Snyder:

January 18: St. Matthew, Waco
January 25: Immanuel, Killeen