The Gift of Relationships

As we enter into this time of the year where Thanksgiving and gathering together is on the forefront of our minds, it is a good time to remember some of the greatest gifts we are given: Relationships. Whether it is spouses, children, extended family, friends, and even the gift of God’s presence in our lives, these relationships are so vital for our everyday lives and should be celebrated, especially during the holidays.

Relationships of loved ones bring a positive impact on us and it’s important to spend time with people who care about us. God knows that we can have great impact for good on each other’s lives. He also knew that we needed His presence as well. Richard Plass and James Cofield write in their book The Relational Soul, “…in eternity past God determined to send his eternally begotten Son, who would bear the particular presence of the Father’s love for all the world to see. And when he ascended back to heaven his presence took up residence in our embodied souls through the Spirit. This is astounding news! In Christ God’s loving presence becomes ours.”

So no matter where you go during the holidays over the course of the next couple of months, make sure you realize the impact that your presence makes in the lives of your loved ones and don’t forget to remind them of the impact their presence makes on you. And may we all remember the joy that comes knowing that Jesus is there with the presence of Almighty God in the midst of our celebrations as well.

In His Service,

Pastor Jared