Assemble Together

 

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 

                                                                                       (Heb 10:22-25 KJV)

It is Sunday morning. It is the day that many Christians gather together to hear the word of God and to worship God. In this time of COVID-19 many have been subjected to mandatory stay at home orders and have followed them. During this past year some Pastors have ended up arrested for not following those orders. Many congregations have cancelled the Sacrament of Communion for the duration. Others are only singing one verse of any hymns or songs they sing to avoid spreading the virus. That, in spite of the fact that they are all wearing masks and sitting six feet apart. 

Over this past year we have also seen a distancing of people from one another. There have been many mandated separations depending on which state you live in. Families haven't been able to visit one another; but, for some reason it's okay to go to one of those big retail stores. Senior citizens have been locked down in long term cares and nursing homes without the benefit of close contact with family whom they love. Depression and suicide have been on the rise. It is difficult to thrive without the love and support of others. I am not sure how one is expected to maintain unity with others when we do not gather together often as family and as the family of God.

It has been a horrific year for many. My prayer is that those who have been avoiding worship for the sake of their health do not stay away once their local congregations are fully open as over the years I have seen that once someone gets out of the routine of gathering together to worship God staying away become the new routine.

I am fortunate enough that closest congregation to where I live has not closed down at all. It's definitely a plus that the preaching has been very good. I am even getting used to sermons that can last around forty minutes!

St. Paul wrote to the Romans:  "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom 10:17)

I pray that each of you are able to find a place to worship. It does not matter the denomination; but, remember to gather with others to hear God's word and to worship Him if you are able. If you are not able please check out online worship from a local congregation; a congregation that you could possibly connect with when you are able to worship in person again. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Together We Celebrate The Birth

Gather to Worship
(Heb 10:24-25)

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. (Luke 2:16-20 KJV)

Unlike the shepherds we don't have to get off our couches to celebrate the birth of Christ this year. There doesn't have to be any traveling. We don't have to go to far. Thanks to COVID restrictions many will be making haste to their computer screens this evening and/or tomorrow morning to watch the celebration of the birth of Christ, the one who has made us free to live as children of God. They will be watching. But, there will be no live participation; no interaction. Maybe some will join in the hymns of praise from their living rooms; but, probably not many. 

Many, more fortunate, will also be celebrating the birth of the Son of God in the traditional manner; within congregations, as they glorify and sing praises in the company of other Christians. St. Paul encouraged us to gather together often: "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Heb 10:24-25) 

If you can, go and gather with others to celebrate the birth of our King! But, I hope that no matter where you are observing the birth of our savior from, like the shepherds, you will go and make known to others the good news of this miracle by praising and giving glorify to God in word and deed. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.