This section is entitled “Together in Christ.”  What a very appropriate name for the Holiday Season and the special time that we get to spend together with friends and family, especially as believers.

The early church was called the “ekklesia” in Greek.  And while the term on the surface means “assembly or congregation”, the basic definition of the term was too narrow to describe what they were after.  More appropriately, Christian writers used the Greek term to describe “Christians in relationship” or “God’s people in community.”  In other words, it was not about going to a church building or specific place (most of them met in their homes), it was about being in relationship together all the time: at work, home, school . . . everywhere.  Another way to describe it is that we are the “universal” church, a body that grows together in Christ and then goes together to make more disciples of Jesus Christ wherever we are. With this mindset, it becomes clear that we are to be who God has made us to be in all circumstances so that others too will hear the Good News.

The Holiday season brings many opportunities for us to come in community together; not just Christians, but unbelievers too.  And so no matter where you land with the Holidays (some people look forward to it and others do not for different reasons), as Christians we can all take advantage of the opportunities that the Lord will put before us to engage in conversations of love and truth (rather than sports and weather).  We have the one true message of love that has come to save the world from their sin in our hearts and on our lips.  So let’s use it.

As we come together for the holidays, let’s come together in Christ so that we can be a beacon of light to the world.  Let’s embrace what divine appointments that God has before, trust the Holy Spirit’s lead, and speak hope with truth and love in every conversation.   Sports and weather will pass; the message of the Gospel is eternal.

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ” —Ephesians 5:15-17

Together In Christ,
Jeremie Johnson
Head Administrator
Grace Christian Academy