Views from The Ridge 12.24.25
Sunset Ridge is a church that desires to follow Jesus, reach people, and radiate God’s love and hope to all.
The Quiet Light of Joy
Jess Lowry, Executive Director & Pastoral Leader, Sunset Ridge Church & Sunset Ridge Collective
On our Third Sunday of Advent, I sat quietly and watched as Scott, Noelle, and Sebastian Adams led our candle lighting liturgy. Noelle lit the first two candles, steady and sure. Then she reached for the pink candle, the one meant to represent joy.
Unlike the others, the joy candle did not immediately blaze. It began as a tiny ember, barely glowing, almost hesitant, just a flicker peeking out against the dark. Slowly and patiently, it grew into a flame.
The moment felt profoundly right for the way we have held joy in 2025.
This year, joy has not been loud or uncomplicated. It has been held in paradox. It has flickered alongside grief and glimmered in the midst of uncertainty. It has shown up not as a denial of pain, but as a quiet, persistent light, like a guiding star in a desert sky, leading us step by step toward Home.
Our Home, we believe, came to us first.
This Christmas, we remember that our true Home took on flesh and bone. “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood” (John 1:14, The Message). God did not remain distant or untouched, but broke through the cosmos and came down into the dirt, close enough that humanity could touch the Creator of the universe’s tiny hands and feel the warmth of God’s infant breath.
God gathers all things back to Godself, patiently and tenderly making all that is broken whole.
This year, we have walked through devastation and heartbreak. We have held space for grief that had no easy answers. We have shown up for one another through care, through meals, through presence, and through the simple refusal to look away when struggle comes. We have also celebrated baptisms, laughter, creativity, children’s voices, shared tables, sacred moments of worship, and joy that surprised us with its resilience.
In between, there has been so much holy, magical ordinary. Sundays and discipleship groups. Conversations in hallways. Hands setting up chairs and washing dishes. Teens serving faithfully. Songs written and sung. Meals shared. Quiet prayers whispered. The slow, steady work of becoming a people shaped by love.
It has been the greatest privilege to walk alongside each of you this year.
As Christmas arrives, my prayer is simple.
May you know yourself beloved and cherished.
May your tender, beautiful heart be held safe and close. May the love of the God who broke through the cosmos to be with you wrap you in peace. And may you know, deep in your bones, that no matter how you arrive, your church is a place ready to welcome you home.
Joy may begin as a flicker.
But it is enough to light the way.
Love—Jess
Upcoming Community Events
Wednesday, December 24th - Friday, January 2nd, Church office closed for Christmas & New Year’s
Worship every Sunday | 9 AM, Chapel, Acapella | 11 AM, Sanctuary, Instrumental
Every Saturday, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, Charis Park
Wednesday, January 14th, 6 - 8:30 PM, Discipleship groups begin for the new year
Monday, January, 19th, Offices closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Praises & Prayers
Congratulations to members of our Sunset Ridge family, Jacob and Sarah Villareal, on the birth of their daughter, Margot! Margot arrived a little earlier than expected, and both she and her parents would appreciate extra support during this time. Our Shepherds have organized a Meal Train for those who would like to help care for the Villareal family as they welcome their new baby.
