Brothers & Sisters,
It is a little crazy to think that we are just 9 days away from Christmas. If you are anything like me this is a time of year that I start to long for come October. The season that leads into cooler weather, holiday gatherings, and a time of reflection over the past year. If I were to summarize my thoughts on 2024 in one word it would probably be the word "relief." I am relieved that I don't have to be all that bright to be faithful. (See photo above..) Sometimes, it seems like the bulb above my head is never lit and then I remember that it doesn't have to be. Leading a church well is done so through simple obedience. At times I have been tempted to think that I need to be more innovative and to have all the bright ideas to foster health and growth (in breadth and depth). I don't. God has given us His word and that is sufficient for life and ministry. I am relieved that my light shines brightest when I am simply following the "Light of the World" who has come down and dwelt among His people and that's what the season is all about! So... 2024 is a year of relief for me.
How would you summarize your year?
“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” -John 1:9-14 ESV
