Thanksgiving Eve, Nov. 25, 2020
Dearest Family and Friends of the Philadelphia District Church of the Nazarene.
The sacred seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas 2020 are surely going to be different than the ones we’ve [probably unknowingly] taken for granted in past years. Those sacred seasons truly were "simpler" compared to the times we are experiencing now.
Nevertheless, i had this sudden thought today: "Remember, lonely, holy, days are still holy." That sudden thought caused anticipation to arise in my heart. [By "lonely" i mean, Kim and i will celebrate Thanksgiving with only our son and our hound dog as opposed to being with our entire family as usual. Yep, COVID concerns. But i know these are still holy days.]
Meanwhile, later today, i received a phone call from Pastor Jonathan Merki to talk about our January 2021 prayer retreat, yet his opening comment was the most essential thing i heard in our conversation. Pastor Jonathan said passionately, "i awoke this morning with a new sense of hope!" Wow! What a powerful witness to hear spoken aloud during these days of disruption.
So, i want you to know this evening i am praying for each of you, that the two words that lifted my spirit today -- "holy" and "hope" -- will come underneath your highly valued life and lift you towards the skies until you undeniably know you are soaring as on the wings of an eagle.
So, maybe our sacred seasons past were marked by "simplicity" we won’t know this year, however, perhaps this year our sacred seasons will be marked by "soaring" we haven’t known in previous years!
Yes, family and friends, two words -- "Holy" and "Hope" are causing me new optimism. i sense a new embrace of amazing grace.
So be it. Let it happen. Amen.
P.S. You’re loved. i am grateful for you.
Hope Happens HERE!
Presence Matters Most!
No Invisible People! UNITY!
Pastor Kerry Willis
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