Growing up as a tiny girl we were part of a fellowship that was amazing. We were a tiny little fellowship... and we loved each other well. We ate together, studied the Scriptures together. We were there for each other. We loved God, and we loved each other. How dear to me are those who were part of Word of Life Bible Church in Southlake, TX.
As an adult, or almost an adult... a wife and a mommy, but only 21 - Ken and I found a fellowship of our own. It was the closest thing to Acts 42 I had experienced since I was 8 years old.
And now, 14 years later, we are part of another amazing fellowship of believers who know what it is to love God and love each other.
We are a forever family. We hurt each other, and we comfort each other. We love each other well. We pray for each other. We know what it means to mourn together and rejoice together. The common denominator is that in each fellowship, we all loved God, and we all loved each other. We gave as anyone had need - and we lived in community.
It has been a whirlwind when I think about it. But, I realize that tiny pieces of my heart are scattered across 3 continents (at least) and all over the US. I love so many people that sometimes it really just hurts. My heart aches because I miss "my"girls. But, then there are friends that have known me - the real me for a long time - some ten, fifteen and even twenty or thirty (!) years. I think I could type for an hour straight and not get all the names down of the people who are dear to me that my heart longs to see and spend time with. And then there are people that I almost got to know, but I want to know more.... who I am not sure I will get to know much better this side of Heaven. Which makes me feel like I have a million holes in my heart - pieces of my heart are scattered all over the place. But, did you notice the phrase "this side of Heaven"?
God is so sweet to remind me that these friends are my forever friends. Not just because we have bonded well here on earth, but because we are bound by the blood of Christ and will be forever together in eternity. We are sisters now and forever. This life is a mist. One day - and in a short time - in the blink of an eye... we will all be together for eternity. No tears. No separation. No pain. No sin. No boundary of time. We will be forever together worshiping a Holy and Righteous and Beautiful God - and bowing before the One who was given the Name above every Name - at which every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!Hallelujah! I am ready to have a party. I love my family. I love my friends. But, I am about ready for our forever celebration where we come to know what it means to dwell in glory... our God given, untainted glory. Whew!
It is almost Christmas. It is time to celebrate the birth of a baby who came to change the World. It is time to celebrate the Christ-child. The Messiah.
So, this Christmas, I am spending some time thanking God for each of you by name. Each one of my forever friends - I am praying a blessing over you even now. And for each of you that don't know my Jesus - who are skeptical of all of this "religious" stuff. I am praying a special prayer for you. I am praying that you will come to know my Jesus for yourself. It has nothing to do with religion, and everything to do with a relationship. A relationship with the One who will never abandon me, or forsake me. A relationship with the One who let His blood be spilled so that mine wouldn't have to be. The One who came to die - because it was the only way that we could know God - for ourselves, without separation. The One who the angels worshiped and the wise men sought out. This Jesus. If you let Him, He will change your whole life. Yes, tonight, I am saying a special prayer for you, my sweet skeptical friend. He loves even you. Even when you curse Him and doubt Him. He will never quit pursuing your heart. He loves you far too much for that.
Merry Christmas.
