The Season to Remember

            The weather has made its turn to cold, the leaves have changed their colors and most have fallen to the ground.  Schools have now long been in session and learning and discovery have marked once again the start up of a new school year.  Our summer visitors and residents have returned to the other towns and cities where their life continues when they are not on LBI!  The speed limits are higher, the traffic lights are blinking.  The Season has changed and we enter this most precious holiday season with our celebrations of Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas.

            We remember during this new season the old stories.  Stories of our ancestors coming to these shores.  Finding a new home for their religious freedom and a new place to raise their families.  A land that the scriptures remind us on Thanksgiving day, that this land of America, like the land for the Israelites is a land flowing with milk and honey!  Our land is a land of blessing and it is God given to us to tend and to care for so that all may experience the goodness of God and that we may live in peace and prosperity.  

            We remember also the Story of the Word becoming Flesh and dwelling among us.  This life, this Child is full of truth and grace.  He comes among us born of humble estate.  Born of a virgin. He comes to set us free.  He would go on to proclaim the Kingdom is at hand!  The presence of God breaking forth into our world to heal and comfort, to bless and to gather us to God's self!  These are days of thanksgiving and blessing.  These are days of anticipation and preparation.  The time has come for wonder and celebration. 

            May our hearts be truly full of wonder and gratitude this holiday season as we turn to the One who has blessed us so abundantly!  We come to be renewed, recreated and transformed by the One who has called us to himself, Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  May His name be praised!  May His glory be proclaimed!  May His Will be done!

            Joan and I find ourselves so grateful to be a part of our faith community at Zion.  We have treasured this gift that we are to one another.  We hold you always in our hearts and pray for you each day.  We thank God for the gift of this time and this place and to live among you, the good people of Zion Lutheran Church!  Thank you so very much for welcoming us so graciously!  We wish you a season of hope and love!  May God's grace fill you and your loved ones with joy and peace!                                           

            Pastor Bill and Joan