“REED” This
Family
I love the holiday season. Thanksgiving is wonderful with all the delicious food that takes a few days to eat all the leftovers, but that’s not what makes it special. The Christmas season is wonderful with all the presents, parties, decorations, music, and delicious food, but that’s not what makes it special. New Year’s Eve is fun with the parties, fireworks, and staying up late to ring in the new year, but that’s not what makes it special. So, why do I love the holidays? The answer is – family. There are so many good things about the holidays, but the best thing with all of them is the time to spend with family. When I say, “I love the holidays,” I’m actually saying, “I love to spend time with my family!” Now, we may not be able to see all of our family during the holidays, but the ones we can see and spend that time with make it special. The activities and food may be good, but it’s the ones you share it with that brings the joy on those occasions. Just this past weekend I was able to spend time with my immediate family. We had some really good food and deserts that all of us enjoyed. We drove over to Jekyll Island to see all the beautiful and impressive Christmas lights on display. But far and above all that was the time the six of us were able to spend together. The conversations, the laughter, the memories, the stories, and just being together was overwhelming at times. Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces as we sat around the table or living room brought such joy. Then, being able to take my grand-daughter outside and push her on the swing, watching the contented smile on her face as she sat and went back and forth was really special. Being able to worship together as a family and serve together with my sons as they helped me lead in worship is beyond description. What a blessing! What joy fills my heart even as I think and write about it! I am so grateful to God for the family He has blessed me with and know that it is truly a gift from Him.
I love how God designed, created, and established the family. From the very beginning, He brought Adam and Eve together and told them to have children (Gen. 1:28). They did (Gen. 4:1), and they were blessed with their children. As I write this, I know there is not always perfect harmony within a family. Even from the beginning, there was trouble, as with Cain and Abel (Gen. 4:8). But even through the struggles, challenges, personality conflicts, and difficulties, family is still family. There is still that connection that can never be broken. And in most families, there is love for one another. That love comes from the Father, who demonstrates His love for us in so many ways. But the greatest way was through His sending His Son to be our Savior. And as we receive the gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus, we become God’s child. We then are a part of His family, and that connection can never be broken (John 10:27-29). His love for us and His promises of everlasting life holds us forever in His hands. We will always be His child and will live forever in His house.
Jesus said, “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” John 14:2-3
What a wonderful promise Jesus has given us. Until my room is ready, I need to be showing and sharing the love of Christ with my family. And I need to be doing the same with everyone I meet so that they know how to become a part of God’s family and Jesus can start working on their room. I love spending time with my family. And I love spending time with my church family. And I love spending time with God’s family. I pray you are able to have a great holiday season spending time with your family – earthly and heavenly.
Bro. Paul Reed
Tuesday, November 30, 2021