‘‘Tis The Season”
“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”” (Luke 2:8-14)
This truly is the season for families to gather together, share time and meals, give gifts to one another, and reflect on the deeper meaning of this wonderful season. Just like our biological families gather together with one another, the church, often referred to as the “household or family of God”, also delights in gathering together.
The family at Linder enjoyed one such gathering to honor our senior saints on Saturday, December 14, and as usual much food, laughter, and love was included in the festivities. From the opening devotional thoughts taken from Psalm 66, to the tasty food and delicious desserts prepared for more than 50 folks, everyone enjoyed sharing this time of fellowship. After the meal, a group of our children sang a medley of popular Christmas carols, followed by a gift exchange.
While all of these activities are common during the Christmas holiday season, this gathering was a bit different. How? People gather together, eat, sing, and exchange gifts all over the world, however, this gathering is a foretaste of a greater, more important feast we will experience when Jesus comes back to gather his people to himself (John 14:1-3). At that great feast, there will be no lack of space, no lack of food, and no lack of joy because it is the feast that the Lamb of God, the Lord Christ has promised his people as the ultimate gathering of his family.
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear.” For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And he added, “These are true words that come from God.” (Revelation 19:7-9)
Our desire and plea is that everyone would hear the Lamb’s invitation and accept it, so we may all be together at his great feast. In fact, filling the table with guests is the motive of love that brought Jesus from the glories of heaven, to the hay of a manger, to the wood of a cross, out of a borrowed tomb, to the right hand of the Father, where he waits for each of us to accept his invitation.
Come and see for yourself “this Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord”.