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December 1, 2008

Dear Friends

December has to be one of my favorite months of the year. Christmas is of course one of those times that Hope comes alive in the world, thanks to the birth of our savior. And people seem to share the joy of life in ways they haven’t done in the months leading up to December. This particular December, I find myself both looking ahead, and reflecting back on the past. — Do you realize how close we are to the end of the first decade of the new century?!? How did that happen?

I am beginning to understand in a more meaningful way the words of 2 Peter 3:8, "but do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day." Time is all relative. The past is important because we have learned much from it. The future is important, because the message of Christ gives us hope for the future. But, the present is where we live, and share the good news of love and forgiveness that comes with God’s kingdom. It is important, because sin is still in the world, and all around us.

Speaking of the past, have you heard about the Pirates? There are modern day pirates in Somalia, who are taking command of ships, and holding them for ransom. And, it appears that not much can be done about it at this point. It baffles my mind. How can this be, in the world that we live in. Would you ever have guessed that in the year 2008, we would be hearing about Pirates in the world news? It has thrown my view of the world into a bit of a funk.

So, what is a pirate? Here is a definition for you. Piracy is robbery committed at sea, or sometimes on shore. It’s good to keep things simple in life. Pirates are bullies, bullies are pirates, who rob us of something valuable. That means, even in the so-called sophisticated world we live in, we can’t get away from the dark side of life, the dark emotions that lead people to hurt other people.

Friends, this is where Christmas comes in. The Light shines through the darkness, and the darkness did not put it out! That is a promise, for past, present, and future!

This Christmas, invite someone to welcome the light into their lives in ways they may not have done, yet. Invite someone you care about to join you at Worship. Invite someone you care about to have lunch with you. Invite someone you care about to share the joy and hope that Christ has shared with you. Yes, you can even invite a pirate!

So, keep it simple, share the Joy of the Advent and Christmas seasons, and don’t let the pirates get you down! Sin is a part of the world we live in, but so is the Lord! And the power of God’s love puts the apparent power of sin in it’s place, for eternity! Thank God for the love of the Christ child, that comes alive at this time of year.

may we carry the Spirit of love with us, for thousands of years!



Merry Christmas,

Paul