As we approach the end of the year and the holiday season, I find myself reflecting on both personal challenges and the growth we see on our campus. While the world focuses on larger shifts, what matters is the progress we witness in our students. Casen Lucas, a standout member of our Attebury Honors Program and the President of the Pre-Law Student Association on campus, is a perfect example of this. His dedication, intelligence and integrity are inspiring, and he represents the bright future ahead for our community. 

 In this season of change, it’s students like Casen—and all the talented individuals we have the privilege of supporting—that give me hope for the future. Their perseverance and adaptability are a testament to the power of education, and it’s an honor to be part of a community where growth, change and hope thrive. Casen is the author of this reflection.

As the holiday season nears and a new year approaches, I imagine some of us will reflect on the changes experienced in 2024. Certainly, shifts in our nation from elections or other headlines are worthy of discussion, but more important to me are meaningful changes like the first Thanksgiving in a new home or the first Christmas without a beloved family member. These are real, tangible changes, and they’re often not the warm and fuzzy feelings we associate with the holidays. Some changes call for excitement, but others cause loneliness or grief. In fact, under the right circumstances, a season of joy and celebration can easily become a season of mourning.

As I reflect on the changes in my own life, I find that despite the discomfort of some changes, there is still room for joy—rooted in faith, tradition and love. I find joy and solace in a story of change found in the first chapter of John’s gospel describing the ultimate change of Jesus’s birth.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

John is reflecting on what I believe to be the most consequential change of all time: the birth of the Messiah. John proclaims God became man to show humanity the fullness of joy.

A perfect God made his dwelling among us. The one who created mankind chose to walk alongside us and show us the way to new life. Despite obstacles and victories, and amid unrelenting change, his love is sacrificial and steadfast. How could I not celebrate in the face of ever-changing circumstances?

Without a doubt, change is consequential. I understand our world is transforming daily, as each new year looks vastly different than the one before. As I prepare to graduate from WT, leave the familiarity of Canyon, and enroll in graduate school to continue building my future, I am learning firsthand that change brings newness and fear.

In spite of the uncertainty, my faith and values equip me with the strength and optimism to go forward in joy. Even as families change, their love, laughter and memories can remain steadfast. For me, an attitude of joy is the power of Christmas, and it fills me with enthusiasm to face change. As seasons change, joy reminds me there is always hope. Hope inspires love.

Love is resilient, and it’s only made stronger by our valued holiday traditions. This is why my family watches It’s a Wonderful Life together each Christmas, a holiday tradition reminding us of what truly makes one rich: the love of family and friends.

It’s also why I collect ornaments from my travels: to remember that as seasons change, experiences of love and happiness endure. In spite of change, there is strength in togetherness and power in reflection. The traditions we practice reinforce the love we share.

When we embrace the joy of Christmas, we make room for hope, connection, and joy. My way of navigating change involves enduring it with loved ones, united by steadfast faith and storied traditions.

In these changing times, I pray you practice time-honored holiday traditions, spend time with loved ones, and recognize the Christmas spirit: that, irrespective of our changing world, a perfect God sent His Son to become love on Earth.

Walter V. Wendler, President of West Texas A&M University. His weekly columns, with hyperlinks, are available at https://walterwendler.com/.