Pastor’s Perspective 12-01-2020

It is Monday morning as I write these words. My daily routine includes reading the newspaper before I come into work. This morning’s featured articles were not exactly filled with uplifting news. “Fayetteville residents falling behind on basic bills during pandemic.” “Afghan officials say 34 killed in separate suicide bombings.” Today’s headlines read, “COVID-19 hospitalizations (in NC) hit new high.” The pandemic’s death toll in North Carolina is now 5,240. Since January of this year, the nation’s total number of cases has surpassed 13 million. More than 265,000 people have died. I can remember when all of this first started, some model were projecting between 100,000 and 200,000 deaths. Others were saying it wouldn’t reach those numbers. The nation’s top infectious disease expert does not expect much to change before Christmas. In fact, Dr. Fauci predicts the U.S. may see “surge upon surge” of this coronavirus over the coming weeks. I read a report last night that said Japan has experienced more suicides this past October than the total number of deaths from COVID-19 during this entire year. I mention that because the devastating consequences of this virus extend far beyond the physical health of individuals.

I know what some of you are thinking. Where is he going with this pastor’s perspective? I was hoping to read something a little more encouraging and inspirational. Well, here it is. This dark and depressing world in which we live is the same one Jesus was born into 2000 years ago. In fact, it is the reason He was born on this earth. The world God created at the beginning of time as we know it is not the world that exists today. It is fallen. When Adam and Eve first sinned in the Garden of Eden, the consequences were immediate and significant. The Bible says, “For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.”

There are times I long for Christ’s return and that deliverance. But today, you and I have both the privilege and the responsibility to proclaim His first coming and the reason He came. And to celebrate and share the hope, peace, joy and love that is ours TODAY because He did.

See you Sunday! ~ John