The sermon focuses on the theme of “keeping the faith” within a diverse faith-based community, specifically Unitarian Universalists, as they approach the holiday season. The speaker acknowledges the potential for stress and difficult memories during this time and offers five “watchwords”—primacy, passion, planning, preparation, and perseverance—as guiding principles for a better life. The sermon explores barriers to maintaining faith, such as resentment, loneliness, and fear of failure, offering anecdotes and quotes for inspiration. Ultimately, it emphasizes self-worth, the importance of love and passion, strategic planning, adequate preparation, and the necessity of perseverance, all within the supportive context of their faith community and guided by the principle of loving one’s neighbor.