Many people claim that a friendship isn't worth preserving if you only touch base once a year. I disagree. Old friends scatter, they are no longer part of our day-to-day life, but they are part of our history. They have helped shape our characters.
Christmas is a good time to renew those ties, to tell those who are far away that you still think of them, that you treasure their memory, and that you wish them Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and every good thing this world has to offer.
We've had examples of that spirit at SPPC in the past few weeks. Barb and Carla went to visit Joan in Calgary. They carried cards and gifts and good wishes with them.
They brought good cheer into Joan's life. They reminded her of her home congregation. They reminded her that she is loved and missed. They were like a visit from Santa, only for seniors instead of kids. We pray for Joan often on a Sunday morning. How fitting that there should be an in-person visit at Christmas.
One of the joys of belonging to a worshipping community is the friendship of fellow-believers. When circumstances require that we cannot meet together in the pews on a Sunday morning, we can still care for each other, still extend the right hand of fellowship, still keep each other in our prayers. Another of our congregation celebrated her 99th birthday a few weeks ago. Age has sapped her physical strength but not her good humour nor her delight in cake and candles and visitors.
I hope you send cards, or e-mails, or make phone calls this Christmas season. I hope you warm your heart with memories of happy times and good friends. I hope you bask in the glow of Christmas past. A one a year journey of remembrance is better than none at all. Say hello to an old friend.
Christ commended us to love one another. John 13:35
Paul urged us to nourish our friendships. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians Ch.6:10
Great write up as always, thanks Alice
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