Pastor Article 11-24-24

This coming week is one of my favorites of the whole year. It has always been a time when our family gathers, and has a feast of thanksgiving and good fellowship. It is different than it has been, as there are people that used to be here that are gone now, but they are replaced with different people that are just as loved. When I say they are gone, it is not like they are gone forever, just for now, just until we see them again in our forever home. It is also a reminder to me that, if time continues to march on, one day I will be gone. My family will hopefully meet and cry a little, then laugh and rejoice that they too can look forward to seeing me again. We must be careful as we grieve for those who are gone that we don’t allow the pain for their passing overtake the joy of being with those who are still here. God blesses us with life, and gives us hope in death. This Thanksgiving celebration ought to be a time of tremendous praise and giving of thanks to our faithful God who always sustains us. You can’t miss what you haven’t had, so this year I choose to focus on what I have, have had, and have to look forward to instead of the loss and what is missing. Ponder on these verses and choose joy and thanksgiving during this holiday season. “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” Philippians 4:4–9.
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus