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From The Pastor - October 2008 |
What can I say? I opened the book that a friend told me to read. As some of you know, we were packing for a trip to California. I love to read and many of the books that pass through my pea brain are lost in the miles of thought process in dealing with people. God has a way with me. He always helps me remember my sermons, my prayers, and my failures. All three are needed, I’m sure. Now back to the book. I started it before we went to the airport. I found myself grabbed and lost in the pages. “The Shack” is totally a fiction. It has no “value”, if you are looking for Bible quotations, or some kind of spiritual ammunition to attack someone for the sake of discussion and/or debate, there is none. I know that would disappoint many who have become “Joy Suckers”, as H.B. London would say, from “Focus on the Family”. After reading the book, spending time in California with my wife Lois, my brothers and sisters in the clergy, and running through the beauty of California, I discovered a feeling of a love. This love is not different, but loves that can have a special place in my heart for each of you this Advent and Christmas Season.
I believe I have always loved my Lord, my Church, and my family. How special it is this year to understand in a clear way just how much my Lord loves me and loves you. He does wipe away the tears when we are faced with the dark moments of this life. It is in the relationship with Jesus; however, that we can discover how special each of us can be.
I was able to sit with Non-denomination, Assembly of God, Baptist, and so many more, talking, praying, hugging, eating and simply sharing God’s gift that he has given to each of us. We are all communicators of the word of God with action and speech. Yes, we even discussed “Joy Suckers”; people who take the joy out of our lives in Jesus. We talked about the times when we also were joy suckers, but not this year — NO DOOM AND GLOOM. We discussed our gifts and the gifts of so many people that we serve.
In this book, “The Shack”, a beautiful relationship was drawn by beautiful and realistic words. This God of ours cares and loves so deeply that when we separate ourselves from that agape love, we are given the courage and strength to reach out and touch with conviction in our hearts. Today we see and hear all the negatives, television, radio, and Internet can offer. The Joy Suckers will hang on to each of you during this time of joy and beauty. It is our Lord who will indeed present to us a love and strength that will put light in our eyes and heart. No matter what; hang on to that.
Come to every celebration that you are able. Let us celebrate together and give as much as we can. Not just money; but time.
Give someone forgiveness.
Give someone a hand.
Give someone an invitation.
Give someone part of your heart.
Love each other just a little more and remember …
"Silent Night, Holy Night, all is calm, all is bright………with the angels let us sing,
Alleluia to our King. Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born!"
Pastor Charlie and Lois love each of you. Help us this New Year to bring others to share in this special love of Jesus the Christ.
Happy Holidays!
Pastor Charlie