Since Christmas day falls on a Sunday this year (2022), we celebrated the previous Sunday at North Christian Church in North Dighton, MA, as family. The very next day at my secular job, there was palpable tension and even raised voices as someone threatened to quit – stress had manifest itself into an outburst through a person who typically exhibits reasonable self-control. Looking back, I can’t help but see the contrast between the two scenes. Same life, different realms. I suppose it makes sense, given the simple fact that inner peace and self-control are both fruit of being filled by the Spirit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
-Galatians 5:22-23
That is what prompted this blog. To be transparent, even sharing the awful Monday details with you, I feel like I’m adding a stain to an otherwise beautiful opportunity to relish in Sunday’s love and fellowship. That is what I wish to focus on here because that is what helped me during Monday’s outburst. To be honest, I can understand my co-worker’s frustration, as I suffer in the same stress-inducing circumstances – I’m not judging them, just sharing how different Sunday and Monday were for me.
Our Christmas Special service began with us singing two songs, followed by a pulpit sermon, and then three more songs. I have to say that it was truly wonderful to hear the voices of the congregation singing as unto the Lord. The children, who normally are in the prep school and mothers’ room during service, were present and singing as well. As I looked out from behind my pulpit, my heart was truly warmed. This is my truest family, filled with individuals who I will be spending all of eternity with. What a gift to worship with them. What a gift for all present. When I compare this scene to the next day, I cringe. “Thank you, Lord, for giving my family, your family, moments of encouragement in a world decidedly against You.”
My soul thirsts for more “Sundays” and less “Mondays”, though I accept God’s will in my life. Life is more than just celebration, practically speaking; however, might we transcend this world? Might we find a peace that sets us free, regardless of circumstances? “Sundays” are gifts to us all, holy reminders of the peace, that sweet “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22), which Jesus Christ has promised His own.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
-John 14:26-27
If only I could capture Sundays in a bottle and sip from it throughout the rest of my week! Alas, I can – you can! We simply need to cling to the Lord with all our hearts! We must hold our precious memories close always. Sundays are a gift from our Father in Heaven, a time to worship Him and spend quality time with our brothers and sisters in Christ, with our family. When we do this together, we are encouraged, as we ought to be.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
-Hebrews 10:24-25
To me, Christmas time isn’t just about remembering Jesus Christ, the One born to die for our sins; it’s also about appreciating His ability to draw His beloved sheep together, where He is the source that keeps us warm. He is radiance that lights our hearts. He is the Word, full of grace and truth, the most beautiful reason for the season. ‘Tis the season to celebrate Him together, as family. This is what I saw on Sunday (the very opposite of Monday). “Lord, let me hold this memory close!”
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
-Philippians 4:8-9
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
-Mark 12:30
May love be my motivation always, and yours, too. “For the love of Christ controls and compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). I pray that we are able to don the full armor of God (ala Ephesians 6) so that we never lose sight of the gift of fellowship and the peace we experience through it. I pray that “Mondays” do not rob us of this blessing. I pray that love prevails, that good overcomes evil in us, and that worship doesn’t end when a church gathering ends. “Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8); therefore:
Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
-Hebrews 13:1-6
Love is the answer. I love my family and I draw from their strength as they draw from mine. We lean on each other, as it ought to be. I saw it in their faces on Sunday, as they all sang heartily as unto the Lord. To Hell with “Mondays”!
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
-Colossians 3:14-17
Merry Christmas, my dear family. I love you and I can confidently say that you love me and, for this truth, I am oh so grateful!
Love in Christ,
Ed Collins