CREDIT: Pixabay

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As the days grow shorter and a chill hits the air, we’re entering that time when some of our thoughts turn to harvests and feasts – Thanksgiving and Christmas. While I know many of us are going to be celebrating in different ways this year, I pray you’ll remember to give thanks to God for the many blessings He's entrusted to you in the past year. And whether the celebration is the traditional huge feast or a downsized 2020 model, please remember - our God promises, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)

It's no accident food is often central to special events. God’s word is filled with images of feasts and rich food over which His people celebrate. The word “feast” appears almost 200 times in scripture – most often as His people come together in His presence to celebrate. Isaiah provides a sneak peek at the ultimate feast, “On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine … He will swallow up death forever … wipe away tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25:6,8) These words foreshadow ultimate rejoicing in the new creation, “Before the throne of God … They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore …and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:15-17)

We live in between Isaiah and Revelation. And, it’s easy to become spiritually malnourished while consuming the world’s offerings. Knowing this, God provides each of us with a regular feast which nourishes our faith – Holy Communion. This feast joins His people together in a foretaste of the feast to come. At His table we receive God’s nourishing gift which strengthens our faith leading to eternal life through the real presence of Jesus’ body and blood under the bread and wine. He reminds us that He is with us wherever we are. So, as we gather in our “COVID Cohorts”, let’s remember Who is also with us and give Him thanks.

                      In Christ’s Love,

                      Pastor Jim