For many this year, hearing the Christmas song, “I’ll be home for Christmas” is going to sting if we don’t begin to be proactive now. To do so, we will look at two characters this coming Sunday whose first names are one letter apart—Joe and Job.
Joseph (Joe) spent painful years apart from his family, who, when looked at closely, are dysfunctional. External events in Joseph’s life created deep heartbreak and lasting hardship. Many years brought great pain. Holidays and special events were gone for Joseph as they will be for many of us who cannot gather this Christmas in person.
Job, on the other hand, was an exemplary parent. His care for his children is forever locked in scripture. He honored tradition, family gatherings, and blessings.
Both of these God-led stories, when combined, have so much hope to offer all of us. While home for Christmas may not be what has happened in years past, we who choose to be God-led will still enable us to do what we need to do, and that is connect profoundly with those we love.
Join for the second of the three-part sermon series, Unmasking Christmas, on November 15th.