Friday, December 16, 2005

Partying with Jesus

On November 23rd (the Wednesday before Thanksgiving) the Church of Alhambra gathered together for a party (a Thanksgiving party). We came to unite to love Jesus, to give Him thanks and to rejoice in God's presence in Alhambra. In Ezra 3:11 - the people of God gave thanks to the Lord because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. We see that God has laid a foundation of His love, peace and joy in Alhambra. He is here. And we want to party because that is something to be really excited about. Not only do we see God here in Alhambra but we see that He is weaving the Church together. What does it look like when the people of Jesus come together and truly experience His joy and love? How can we celebrate together when we are so different? As the diverse churches: Assembly of God, Presbyterian, Missions, United Methodist, Catholic, Nazarene, etc. representing several languages and ethnicities came together, everyone's eyes were seeking Jesus. When our focus becomes Jesus, His joy becomes real. As that happens, the beautiful mosaic of God comes together. Christ brings meaning and understanding to our diversity. At times we can just look at what is wrong with our community, church, others, self. We look at what isn't there or what is there that shouldn't be there. But sometimes we need to stop along the way and look for the signs of hope and party with God for what He is doing. We have been given more than we know! Party on....