Dear Reader,

As the end of the semester is quickly approaching, many of us are eagerly anticipating the winter break, when we are free from classes, assignments and final exams. Our last issue of 2025, “Jubilee,” encapsulates this feeling. Defined by The Canadian Oxford Dictionary as “a time or season of rejoicing,” jubilee is a celebration, light and joy. 

Jubilee also marks special anniversaries, such as the Year of Jubilee in the Bible, which occurred every 50 years on the Day of Atonement. It was consecrated as a time when the Israelites were freed from slavery and debt. In addition to returning to one’s family property, people were also instructed to keep the year holy by only eating what the land produced on its own, trusting that God’s providence would sustain them. This socio-economic reset provided an opportunity for renewed relationships between people and God, prioritizing restoration and liberation.    

From our curated playlist to crush advice from Cami Lavender, staff and contributors brought hope and cheer to this online issue. In “Festive Things to Do Around Langley This Christmas Season,” Managing Editor Cath de la Rambelje suggests the best holiday sights, sounds and tastes to enjoy, while contributor of the issue, Orion Snow, reflects on the beauty of accepting brokenness in his poem “Blanketed in White.” Over in the Opinions section, contributor Sophie Agbonkhese shares her reasons for believing that joy and grief exist together, reminding us that God is our source of hope. 

It can be difficult to rejoice in times of hardship, when schoolwork piles up, loved ones fall ill and it gets dark before 4:30 p.m. Yet jubilee also anticipates the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus, who frees us by forgiving our sins. I hope that you find time to rest and relax as you read this issue. Whether you are home for the holidays or celebrating from afar, I encourage you to take delight in all December has to offer, from tree decorating to gift shopping and, hopefully, a little bit of snow.

From the Mars’ Hill team to you, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Sincerely, 

Sadie McDonald