Thoughts.....Christmas Day, 2021

To our many friends of The Gathering:

Here we are, finding ourselves experiencing our second Christmas in the midst of a world-wide pandemic.  Who would have imagined it would have lasted this  long?  Who would have imagined the loss of life, the fifth 'wave', the inflation, the closure of gathering places, especially places of worship, the loss of freedoms, the food shortage, the contradicting Covid 19 data from various 'experts' and and the resulting divisions and angry rebellions that are showing up in so many places?  Not us, for sure. To be honest, we certainly have had our share of losses and disappointments this year more than ever, but we hold on firmly to the Promises of God that we will find Peace, Hope and Love which is the heart of Christ for us, as we wait for His Return.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7)."

"For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. (Titus 2: 11 - 13)"

"Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going. (John 14: 1 - 7)"

One of our 'hopes' for the coming year is that we will soon be able to gather together again as one body worshipping the Lord with everything within us.  Our times with you have been highlights for us since we moved to the valley, as we hope they have been for you.  May your Christmas Day be full of peace, hope and love!  

Missing you a lot,

Love in the Lamb,

Gord and Jan