Pastor’s Paragraph - December 31, 2020

While under house arrest Paul writes to the church in Philippi:

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

(Philippians 4:8)

This is not an example of looking at the world through rose colored glasses. This is the perspective of faith, of trust in the abiding grace and peace of Christ. This is the way a disciple who experiences the suffering of the human journey continues to persevere, learn, grow and serve others. By keeping our focus on Christ we are empowered to reflect through human suffering the truth, honor, justice, purity, pleasing and commendable excellence that is faith and service in Christ’s Spirit. This focus does not minimize or deny suffering but it makes space for a perspective that can be used by Christ to bring peace and healing to suffering.

Yes, there is much stress, illness, grief, weariness, anxiety and sadness. And, yes, the One whose birth we are still celebrating gives us hope, love, joy and peace. These gifts sustain us in these difficult days and promise us better days to come.

You remain in my daily prayers for joy in the season of Christmas and hope in the New Year.

~Marc