Dear Faith Family,
Christmas is a time for sharing, and so I have something I'd like to share with you.
We are, unarguably, a small faith family. Yet, we have always believed that size is no indicator nor limitation for God's activity. I have been reminded of this truth over the last week. While we may not have grand numbers, we have--better, you are--women and men laboring in love and steadfast hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
I have been reminded of this joy over the last few days as stories of how you have cared for the sick and lonely among us have made their way to me in various conversations. Stories of how you have prayed and fasted for the anxious and unborn. How you have navigated difficult times and relationships with meekness and courage. How you have sincerely and boldly shared the good news with neighbors and friends. How you have wrestled flesh and sin for a holy singlemindedness. How you have persevered in seeking after and acting on our Father's heart for justice. How you have invited people into relationship amid one of the most awkward times of getting to know someone new!
All this and more you have done and are doing, not to be seen, but because of the love and steadfast hope in Jesus that possesses you. And for that, I am most grateful, proud, and challenged. Your abiding obedience helps make full my joy, and I just wanted to share my joy in you.
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace...
(Phil. 1:3-7a)
Love you, faith family! God bless.