In the birth narratives of the gospels, the really significant happenings occur not in the city square in broad daylight, but in the dark of night, in distant fields and unoccupied barns, and in private. It’s as though a present is being wrapped that will only be revealed in time.
The ministries of the church are like that, too! While worship is the grand gathering of the church family, most life-giving, life-changing connections happen out of sight in interpersonal spaces.
This week, your representatives on the Visitation Team are quietly making their way around the city to visit those who cannot come to us. Like the wise men, they take with them three gifts: our love, the assurance that the bond of Christian fellowship is strong, and a gift bag full of seasonal goodies! The recipients may be grateful, but the Visitors tell me they get more joy and fulfillment from being the givers.
If you’re “not feelin’ it” this Christmas, maybe you just haven’t found your place of ministry yet. Let us know how we can help!
—Kyle Matthews, Minister of Pastoral Care