By Pastor Mark Moreno

Seasons

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

I really loved the 1980s, because my childhood encompassed that period of time.  Today’s image features a picture of my father with three of my brothers and two of my cousins. I have no idea where I was.

This grainy image captures the aftermath of a Christmas morning, as toys can be seen and a Christmas tree borders the edge of the photo. The expressions on the faces are what make this picture special to me.

When you think about your childhood, what comes to mind? When you think about family gatherings, even Christmas, what memories get stirred up? It makes me think about Ecclesiastes 3:

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
English Standard Version

You may find yourself in a season where you long for the “good ol days” or you may find yourself in a season that you wish would never end. No matter where you find yourself, God is faithful and true. Each season has beauty of it’s own, pain of it’s own, and truth of it’s own.

Jesus laid down His life for you and for me, to redeem the seasons that make up our lives. He rose from the grave to proclaim renewal and freedom for you and for me. He lives and reigns today so that we know we are never alone and His promise remains for us.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado