Happy 2025! Last month we had the privilege of hearing each other’s voices in the Multimedia Advent Devotional project. Through Scripture, story, and prayers we meditated on Jesus’s coming. We think of Christmas as culminating on December 25th; however, in many Christian circles the Christmas season runs from December 25 to January 13. Therefore, the first two Sundays in January we continued with our sermon series focused on Christmas Carols.
Karen enlightened us about the origin of the carol: “The Friendly Beasts.” This carol, written over 800 years ago in France, was later adapted and translated to English. The song tells about gifts the animals brought to Jesus at the Nativity. Folklore and legends are an integral part of understanding our world. “Talking animals” may seem silly, but the idea of every part of creation being impacted by the birth of our Savior is profound. Did you unpack and display a Nativity scene in your home this year? As I placed the animals around our Nativity, I didn’t really think much about how they might have reacted to the Christ Child, but now as I think about it, surely they must have known something special had happened. Think about it – the entire world is touched by His birth.
Nancy finished up our Christmas carol series by teaching us about the origin of the carol “We Three Kings.” She shared some of the historical events going on in the world at the time it was written (1857) – a tumultuous time before the Civil War. This carol references Matthew’s account of the magi bringing gifts to baby Jesus. Imagine the reaction of the wise men at that encounter. They looked into the eyes of the long-awaited Savior of the world. What wonder they must have felt, and what a reminder of hope and promise for us in the midst of a world full of chaos and uncertainty – Jesus also sees us, and we can trust Him that He is with us and will come again. On that day, we also will see Jesus face to face.
Last week Pastor Karen transitioned to a new 10-week series as we dive into Paul’s letter to the Philippians (and to us). In Michael’s communion reflection, he reminded us that in Christ, we can live in supernatural joy. While we do have moments of joy, we know that to live is also to suffer. And in spite of inevitable hardships we all face, Paul implores the Philippian church to be faithful and endure. A recurring theme: “God matches our personal suffering with joy.” Don’t we need that reminder? You’ve heard or seen the quote, “Be Kind; Everyone You Meet is Fighting a Hard Battle.” It is so true, and if they aren’t fighting a battle right now, then they just did or are getting ready to. Paul reiterates that we should practice gratitude and love for others. God doesn’t want us to just survive but to thrive, and how can we do that? We can remind ourselves and others that He is indeed with us through it all. We can practice authenticity by being honest about our own suffering. We can share our struggles with others, AND we can enter into the suffering of others. If you haven’t seen the bookmark in the lobby of the church (next to the giving box and church info), it says, “Be present in the present in the presence of God.”
This week Karen took us back to the first chapter of Philippians again. Paul, who had been stripped and flogged, wrote of his sufferings but went on to remind believers that God is with us in love through all of life’s challenges. Speaking of love, how often do you tell those most dear that you that you love them? Some people say the perfunctory – LOVE YOU, at the end of every conversation. Those words are so important to say and to hear, but there are so many other ways to express love for others. My mother was not one to say, “I love you” very often, but she expressed it in so many ways. I never left home without her saying, “Be careful,” or “Call me when you are home safely,” or asking how I was doing and really listening. She demonstrated her love for me in so many ways that I never doubted it. Paul spoke eloquently of God’s love for us and as a result of His love, our ability to love God, and then God, in turn, will help us to love others well. That’s our goal; that’s our target; those should be our priorities.
It’s January. You may or may not have made new year’s resolutions. As we continue our series in Philippians, here’s a goal we can come back to again and again. Let’s be reminded that God calls us His beloved and tells us to stand firm – even in the midst of chaos and suffering. As we imperfectly attempt to be strong and love well, we get to be a part of the Good News the world desperately needs.
With you on the journey,
Jim Roberson
Pastoral Care Team, Liberty Vineyard Church
(678) 469-8156
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