For seven Sundays we've worshipped in different places mostly with people we don't know. There are good reasons to do this and good things to be learned from it. But this morning, as we worshipped at Neland Church and celebrated God tabernacling here among us, I was overwhelmed at being, once again, among the people to whom I belong. Belonging is an unspeakably precious gift. Pastor Len's message proclaimed the truth that while it is amazing that God Himself made an appearance on this earth in human flesh, the power and beauty comes in knowing that this was done FOR US. To US a child is born. To US a son is given. God's great desire is for US. God's great longing is for us to know we belong. We belong in the center of God's loving, hospitable embrace. And belonging to one another gives us a tangible experience of that loving embrace.
OK. Enough sermonizing.
I'm also thankful to belong to my loving family. As you can see, it's huge. Last night we gathered, sang, prayed, exchanged gifts, grieved our losses, and celebrated that not only do we belong to each other, we belong to the One who was born among us and for us, the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
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