Well we are nearly at the end of the year, and, what a big year it has been. It is wild to think that this time last year, this church that we all happen to be a part of didn’t even exist. Yet in that time, which seems concurrently so long and so short, for many of us we’ve grieved a lot, we have celebrated a lot, and all in all we can look back with thanksgiving at the grace and the providence of God to us.
As a pastor, (albeit be it for not that many years in the big scheme of things), this year has definitely been the one in which I’ve grieved the most. I’ve prayed and wept and yearned with many of you, over loss, distress, questions which don’t seem to have answers, and in it all have felt the ever present need to run to God in prayer.
Yet despite all that has befallen, this year has also been the most enjoyable, and most fruitful I have lived, and I only feel all the more certain in God steadfast love and faithfulness to us. I have seen and felt his kindness to sinners and sufferers. Witnessed God’s forming Spirit through disaster, and seen him uphold his glory whilst stooping to care for his children.
Firstly, thank you all for joining with us and partnering together for the glory of Jesus. May the Lord bless you and keep you this Christmas and holiday season.
When you feast this week, thank God for his saving grace in your life. Think on your undeserving place at the table to which you have been invited. Consider how God called you to the table, what means of grace did he use to give you faith? Share them as you testify of God’s goodness to you.
Grace to you, Glory to God.