Pastoral Ponderings (December 2018)
Welcome to December! It is a month in which we not only anticipate the celebration of God becoming human in Jesus of Nazareth, it is also the time in which we anticipate family get-togethers, special meals, and a time to renew old acquaintances. It is also a time of dread. I personally dread it becoming dark so early. It can be 6:30 p.m. and it seems to be 9 p.m.!
It can also be a month of sadness and nostalgia as we remember our loved ones not with us, and we miss their presence. This is my second Christmas with neither my mom nor dad. I feel their absence as I am sure they felt an absence with my grandparents passed. This season of festivity is a season to spend with those we love and those who love us: Family and friends. May we cherish it and not take it for granted.
May we remember those that have few friends and little family in this season of family and friendship. If the opportunity presents itself, become family and a friend to someone who has neither. hrist himself was born into a family as you and I were. His mother was Mary and his supposed father was Joseph. Among his brothers was James, an early leader in Christ’s Church. Jesus was surrounded by family and friends. Jesus was surrounded by his “tribe.”
Nevertheless, his tribe and family did not prevent him from reaching out to those not of his tribe and family. His particular social situation did not limit those with whom interacted. He healed the daughter of a Gentile Syrophoenician woman after she pointed out to him that God looks after everyone. He healed the daughter of a Gentile Roman Centurion. He conversed with a Gentile Samaritan woman of dubious reputation. He embraced the lame and blind and overcame their supposed uncleanness.
The good that Jesus did was not limited to his family and friends, but it certainly included them. May this be an example to us as we celebrate with family and friends for as John says: “God so love the WORLD….” When we see anyone in distress or dire straits, may we ignore the politicians, political pundits, and voices of the world; rather, may we listen to the Holy Spirit who leads us in the way of Christ!
Pastor Mark McFadden
