Pastor Mitch McDonald
In 1963, Edward Pola and George Wyle wrote what many believe to be the most festive holiday song of all time. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year, there will be much mistletoe-ing and hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.”
The Holidays: For many, it is the most wonderful time of the year with months preparing and planning. Perhaps you have already made plans to go somewhere to celebrate with others. Yet, celebrating is the last thing this season brings. Recently, I visited with a gentleman who had lost his wife after two years of battling cancer. They had no children or any close relatives. Due to his wife’s long battle with the disease, almost all the close friends they did have had moved on to other relationships or left the state. He truly felt isolated with nothing to celebrate. He made an interesting statement, “Pastor, when you remove time with family and friends, exchanging of gifts, overeating your favorite dish that only “that one person” can make, what’s left to celebrate and enjoy?
No one is immune to loss, hurt, or loneliness. All of us enjoy being in the company of those we are close to, and when that is taken away, sometimes the void seems impossible to fill. That’s when we need more than ever to return to the very reason we celebrate in the first place.
Jesus said in John 10:10 “the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. I have come that you might have life, a full, meaningful and abundant life” – an important promise! Jesus reminds us there are influences that want to steal our joy, kill our hope for tomorrow, and destroy our ability to smile and laugh again. Jesus tells us that He came to give you LIFE that is filled with meaning, hope, and purpose… Abundant Life.
We all love time surrounded by family and friends, great home cooked meals, and the chance to reminisce about yesteryear. But when those are removed for any reason, we cannot allow ourselves to forget the real purpose of the holiday. There is a package waiting for you to unwrap and enjoy all year long. You won’t find this package under a tree, but it has been laid deep within your heart. You will find it wrapped, not in gift wrap, but a warm swaddling blanket. When you unwrap the gift, you will see that He wants more than anything to be a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace in every one of your tomorrows.
Sun Lakes Community Church is an Interdenominational Church. Worship service is at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday at the Sun Lakes Chapel, 9240 E. Sun Lakes Blvd. N. For more information, call our office at 480-895-9147 or visit our website at www.sunlakescommunitychurch.org.
All are welcome!