Restoration 101

Good Wednesday to you,

Restoring a cherished childhood possession can be a very rewarding experience. Seeing something "come back to life" can actually bring tears to one's eyes. But how may tears are shed watching something deteriorate? Of course we lament the loss of health as we grow older, and unexpected illness can contribute to our sorrow, but that comes "with the territory." As my mother used to say, "Growing old is not for sissies."

Imagine Jesus, who was "In the beginning, with God and was God" standing there watching Mary and friends weeping at the death of Lazarus. Grieved and "deeply moved in spirit and troubled," we read that Jesus wept. Death was not a part of creation in the beginning. Death entered through sin. Even though Jesus was preparing to mitigate the effects of sin on the cross, it still broke His heart.

Through His life and death, Jesus not only forgives and pardons, reconciliating us with God, He restores. He is making all things new. As we live in the "already but not yet," we celebrate the victory that is ours in Christ (the already), we continue to grieve, mourn, and lament the fact that the "restoration" is still in process. We are "not yet" there. We grieve with hope. That hope gives us strength and courage to continue being transformed by the Holy Spirit, as we strive to be brokers of reconciliation, and ambassadors for God's kingdom. Next week we will finish the 11th chapter of John, and we will see the plans for Jesus' arrest and death are put into motion (John 11:45:57).

With Advent just around the corner, I want to extend an invitation to anyone who would like to read and light the Advent candles. If you are interested, please contact Rachael in the office if you would like to participate. Also, next Monday the sanctuary will be decorated for Christmas. Let me know if you are interested in helping, and I will pass your name on to Katie Moore.

Speaking of Christmas (I know, I know; it's not even Thanksgiving yet!), our Christmas Eve services will be at 4:30pm for the "children/family" service, and 6:00pm for the traditional "Candlelight" service. Since Christmas falls on Sunday this year, we will be having one special service Christmas day at 10:00am for the entire family. There will be no Sunday school that morning, but trust me, our time together will be joyful and engaging for all ages.

I want to thank you all again for the amazing retirement party held for Jody and me. As I read your cards and notes, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church and Coronado will always have a special place in our hearts. As our time draws to an end, I find each day to be bittersweet. While we still have a few more weeks before January 1st, I want you all to know how much we cherish our time with you. Blessings upon blessings, our hearts overflow with gratitude.

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!