Seeing Further in the Cold Season
Author: Mark Fenstermacher
December 03, 2021
I'm a seasonal guy: that doesn't mean I am here today and gone tomorrow, but it means I savor the seasons of the year. A friend posted something on Facebook after a long walk on a cold morning, and she said, "I love Winter!"
Not everyone feels that way, I know.
And I know this is an unusually hard season for many of us. The other day I asked a young woman in the community how she was doing and she responded, "I am having a tough time. I am tempted to go to a very dark place." So, if you are finding these days difficult to bear, you are not alone!
Here is one thing about the Winter that struck me this week: you can see further through the branches when the leaves are down. I love the wild spectrum of colors displayed by leaves in the Fall, but when they have finally made their exit you can see further through the barren branches.
What was once hidden by the leaves can now be seen.
I realized this as I drove through the country last week. Now, I could see to the other side of the creek. I had been unable to see that sloping ground on the other side of the creek because of the leaves, but now those fields and that old barn on the higher ground are visible.
There may be many things about our "ordinary" life that we are missing, and that may be a hard thing for us. However, this may also be a season when God can help us see what we might have been missing. Maybe, with the leaves down and less clutter on the calendar, we can see our life, our relationships, our soul connection with God, in new ways.
Some people grumble every step of the way into Fall and Winter. I get it. I understand there are some things about the season that are hard to bear. And yet we may be able to see things, important things, beautiful things, through the barren branches of this season.
Ask God for eyes that see.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
What have you been missing? You may be able to see what you've been missing through the branches.
Grace and peace in Christ,
Pastor Mark
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Join us in worship at 8:45 (Sanctuary) or at 10:45 (Chapter 2) in the Fellowship Hall. Our worship celebrations are available online but there is something real and powerful about being present physically. We’ll be ready to welcome you.
This week we continue our “Close to Home” series by talking about foundations: what is the foundation of your life? What kind of foundation is God trying to give us for out lives and world?
The 10 am middle hour is a wonderful opportunity to grow in faith and connect with others in one of our classes and small groups. If you are the parent of young children, bring them to Sunday School: what a great way to help them develop their soul life and grow in their relationship with Christ!
We continue to ask all worshippers to exercise their best judgment in getting vaccinated, using a mask when around others, and maintaining a self social distance.
THANK YOU to all who have responded to our “Pathways to Generosity” emphasis. We have received more “Invitation to Generosity” cards than in the recent past. Please express your love for God and God’s church by turning in your card this week or making your commitment online right here.
WE APPRECIATE so much all your gifts to our pantry ministries.
Please RSVP by December 12 for the “Birthday Party for Jesus” on December 19 from 9:45-10:30 am. You can do so right here or at the Welcome Center on Sunday!
Our Christmas Eve Services will be:
- 4:30 pm Family service in Fellowship Hall
- 7:30 pm Communion service in the Sanctuary
- 11:00 pm Cantata service in the Sanctuary
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!
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