2010:  Joy in the Harvest

 

There can be no doubt that the final days of 2009 were days of joy.  We collectively felt joy in the season of Advent, awaiting the coming of Jesus.  There was great joy in our celebration of Christmas.  I extend my deep gratitude to all who participated in the worship services and especially to those who performed acts of servant leadership in the Christmas services and were involved in the Christmas dinner.  What a day we had celebrating the Lord Jesus’ birthday with joy!

I am looking ahead to the coming year and see it as one to participate in the harvest of God.  There is coming a great restoration to the Body of Christ as we approach the days of harvest.  Those who have labored, those who have sacrificed, those who have suffered for Christ and for the Gospel, will see a return for their investment.  There are going to be miraculous outpourings of grace and re-ordering of church life.  It will be like the words in Psalm 126:5, “those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.  He who goes out weeping carrying see to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.”

 

Think and pray about what these words mean for your circumstances.  Imagine what they might mean for St. Paul’s.  Let’s commit ourselves to a year that emphasizes Joy in the Harvest.

 

Happy New Year,

Christopher

The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton

Rector