Finding Hope and Letting Go: A Reflection on "Home for Christmas"

The Christmas season is more than lights, decorations, and celebrations—it’s a time to reflect, remember, and release. In his heartfelt message Home for Christmas, Pastor Kevin Kringel challenges us to embrace the fullness of life by remembering God's faithfulness, letting go of the broken pieces, and stepping into the future He has for us.

Root Yourself in God's Faithfulness
For many, life feels like a series of transitions—new cities, new challenges, and new chapters. Pastor Kevin reminded us that God’s desire is for us to root ourselves in Him, planting our lives deeply in community and faith. Without roots, there can be no fruit, and this season is an opportunity to let God firmly establish us where we can grow and thrive.

The Power of Remembering
Christmas traditions—whether pulling out treasured ornaments, singing carols, or reading the Nativity story—offer us touchpoints to remember where we’ve been and what God has done.

1. Cherish the memories of loved ones who are no longer with us. Celebrate their lives, and let their stories be shared with younger generations.
2. Recall the highs and lows of your life, and see God’s hand of faithfulness through it all. As Lamentations 3:21-22 says, “Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends!”

Memories are a gift—they remind us that we’ve lived, loved, and experienced God's goodness.

Letting Go of the Broken Pieces
But not all memories are easy to carry. Pastor Kevin encouraged us to confront the broken ornaments of our lives—those past hurts, sins, failures, and disappointments that weigh us down. God calls us to release these burdens so we can make room for the new blessings He has in store.
Why let go?

1. Holding onto past pain links us to it, robbing us of hope and joy.
2. Carrying brokenness into a new season limits our ability to embrace what God is doing now.

As Isaiah 43:18-19 says: “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”

Walking in the Opposite Spirit
When life tempts you to isolate, Pastor Kevin challenges you to walk in the opposite spirit. Run to God, not away from Him. Lean into community when your instinct is to pull back. As Adam and Eve hid from God in their shame, He sought them out to restore relationship. The same is true for us.

1. In moments of doubt or despair, worship. Focus on God’s goodness and faithfulness.
2. When you feel stuck, take action. Write down what you’re letting go of, create a memorial moment with God, or find a trusted Christian counselor.
3. Engage with community. Healing happens when we surround ourselves with others who encourage and challenge us to move forward in faith.

Embrace a New Season
Pastor Kevin reminded us that letting go of the past is not just about forgetting—it’s about intentionally looking forward to what lies ahead.

1. Forgive yourself. God has already forgiven you. “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
2. Release past hurts and disappointments. Trust that God has a greater purpose for your future.

This Christmas, as we unpack ornaments, sing carols, and reflect on the season, let’s allow God to do a deep work in our hearts. Remember the good, release the broken, and step boldly into the new things He is doing.

Ready for a Fresh Start?
If you’re longing for hope and healing this season, take the first step by surrendering the broken pieces to God. Join us at Calvary Orlando for a time of worship, reflection, and community as we celebrate the hope of Christmas together.