The Christmas Season
The Christmas season is in full swing. I love this joyous time of year as we celebrate Jesus with family and friends! With only ten days left until Christmas it can be very hectic as we try to get everything done. When I let the stress of the season outweigh my joy, I forget to focus on the wonder of the redeeming life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. A time of celebration can quickly become a burden if we are not keeping our eyes on Jesus. I pray you and your family are able to focus on the true reason for the season!
This Christmas season also brings a loss for our faith community as we say goodbye to the Wilkes family. Blake, Lana, and Thea Joy are following God’s call for them to pastor a church in Arthur, Nebraska. Every time I think of them moving, my heart breaks because they have made a huge impact on the youth, families, and staff at Greater Portland Bible Church. Although the Wilkes will be far away, we find joy in knowing we are still part of the same family of God.
Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
—Philippians 2:1-2
We will always be united in Christ with the Wilkes and I look forward to hearing how God will use them to help the people of Arthur follow Jesus!
Join us on Sunday as Vincent Hollingsworth shares the joy of the Lord by exploring Philippians 2. We can find joy in knowing God has a plan for GPBC as well as for the Wilkes! I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. I pray you have a wonderful Christmas filled with hope, joy peace and love!