We are Family

So for some reason we purchased an enormous Christmas tree this year. We must have been swept up in the euphoria of the post Thanksgiving cold front here in Houston, or perhaps my darling husband was just trying to make sure we had a very special Christmas, either way, we ended up with a whopper of a tree. As is our custom, my beloved strings the lights then I do the rest of the tree decorating, usually at night when it's a little more peaceful. This Sunday I heard a sermon on 1 Thessalonians 1-4. The Pastor, Ben Stuart, highlighted some wonderful points. One point that truly resonated with me was how Paul used the word "The Church" in his address. The specific meaning was the "C" Church...the corporal Church which means the World-wide body of believers. Ben pointed out how this small community that Paul was forced to leave rather early would be reminded that they were part of something much bigger than themselves and be comforted.

That thought just sat on my heart and tumbled around in my head. The World-wide Church. As I sat in my living room looking at that huge tree I noticed every beautiful light, my husband is nothing if not through. It was a perfect picture of the Church...the Family...MY Family...OUR Family. I felt a deep connection to the HUGE thing wonderful family of believers, and a deeper conviction to pray. Pray for the members I can not be with and will never meet, pray for the ones in leadership who bear such a large burden of responsibility to God and the Gospel, and to pray and reach out to the ones whom He has seen fit to place in my sphere of influence.

I hope that this year each of you will take a minute and look at each beautiful warm light on your tree and feel connected to The Church. Maybe it's been a while since you saw your Church family, maybe you need to pray for the Church you will never meet, or love the members in your life more deeply. Most of all I know that God wants you to feel encouraged and comforted.

We are part of something...we are family.

Peace and Love to you sister or brother through our Lord Jesus who is the Christ-

Notes: Ben Stuart is the leader of Breakaway Ministries at A&M. www.breakwayministries.org

He is a very insightful and gifted Pastor, free podcasts available to download.