Pastor Rob’s Reflections

By the time you read this we will have celebrated Christmas. It has been a wonderful Advent season. But as I reflect on my life, especially 38 years as a psychotherapist, I am very aware that this season and the one we are entering in January is a tough time for a lot of people in our country. 

Beginning in September many people begin to suffer from a low-level depression with or without anxiety. This is called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. Not only that, but after Christmas I always saw an uptick in regular depression usually accompanied by different levels of anxiety.

At any given time it is estimated that one in five people will experience a major depression, characterized by depressive feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, lethargy and a lack of direction and purpose.

If you experience any of the symptoms of depression, please seek help. It’s a fact that psychotherapy and medication work. If you need help finding providers, please let me know.  Have a wonderful Christmas tide and a blessed 2026!

See you in church.

– Dr. Rob

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January Scriptures
Liturgical Colors

January 4, 2026 – Season of Christmas – White
    Jeremiah 31:7-14
    Psalm 147:12-20
    Ephesians 1:3-14
    John 1:(1-9), 10-18

Tuesday, January 6 – Epiphany – White
    Isaiah 60:1-6
    Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
    Ephesians 3:1-12
    Matthew 2:1-12

January 11 – Green
    Isaiah 42:1-9
    Psalm 29
    Acts 10:34-43
    Matthew 3:13-17

January 18 – Green
    Isaiah 49:1-7
    Psalm 40:1-11
    1 Corinthians 1:1-9
    John 1:29-42

January 25 – Green
    Isaiah 9:1-4
    Psalm 27:1, 4-9
    1 Corinthians 1:10-18
    Matthew 4:12-23