DECEMBER 2020

My Dear Friends,

As I look at the calendar, I realize this is the 25th December newsletter article I have written to you! They say time flies when you’re having fun, but I think we can also say that time flies whether you are having fun or not!

And, I am not sure any of us would characterize our current situation as “having fun”. Pandemics, health scares, restrictive movements and activities, fear, and daily challenges are probably not on anybody’s list of fun things to do.

This Covid pandemic has touched us all. It is never far from our thoughts . . .  we rise thinking of it and we go to bed with it on our minds as well. Hopefully, this has driven all of us to much prayer . . . much fervent prayer, not only for relief from the virus but for our own renewed spiritual commitment to Christ.

This is the hour for all Christians to stand tall. This is the hour for us to demonstrate that our faith in God and God’s promises are real and that we can humbly follow our heavenly Father’s daily guidance. As a former military recruitment slogan went, “We never promised you a rose garden.” If we get a rose garden, of course, we will rejoice and enjoy it, but if not, we will go forth anyway, following the “portion” or the path that our Father has given us.

Again I want to recognize our church leadership for standing tall, for making the difficult calls, for taking our congregation’s health to heart, and for ensuring a safe church environment for our gatherings for worship and fellowship. Thank you!

Sadly, not all of you are able to join together in person. I understand that completely.  Hopefully our services on the internet and the DVDs we deliver to you are helping you to feel a valued member of our church family.

All of this is especially sad as we have to celebrate two great family holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, without our traditional family gatherings.

I say all of this to say, take heart. Our God is not confused by all this, He is not surprised, He knows what He is doing, and He has a divine purpose and plan for each one of us.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. –Joshua 1:9

Love, Michael