Rejoicing inLove

Do you ever find it difficult to rejoice during the holidays even when everyone else around you is celebrating? Maybe you have been estranged from certainly family members or maybe you've suffered significant loss in your life and are still reeling from it. You may even work a job that increases its business this time of year, making things far more hectic for you. That was the case for me when I drove for FedEx Ground. The month between Thanksgiving and Christmas had always been the best time of year for me, but that job made me resent it for a few years. However, the more we mature in our faith, the more we recognize that true joy is not based on our circumstances or comfort but on something much bigger. When Christ was born, it signaled a visual and physical reality that had only been a promise up to that point. This event brought hope, peace, and joy to all who had been patiently waiting. This week at Friendship, we'll look at how we can REJOICE in the knowledge of God's love for us, regardless of what suffering we are experiencing. We'll talk about how Christ's coming, as well as his future return, gives us eternal joy that outweighs any temporary pain or pleasure we have now. We'll also celebrate the Lord's Supper as a true joyous reality for us. We remind you that all who trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord are welcome at the table!