Mother's Day is an interesting celebration. The day has been around for some time now. Some would say since 1908 ('officially' recognized in 1914 with by an Act of Congress), over a hundred years ago. Ultimately mother's day is a celebration of the life of a mother in the family unit, the church, and community at large. It is a day that recognizes the significant impact mother's do have and have had on our life and in our communities.
That is, however, only one part of the day. There is another part of this day that is often overlooked or ignored - treated as if it doesn't exist. The part I am talking about is the experience of brokenness, barrenness and grief that mother's, women in general and really all of us from time to time carry in our lives! Everyday of celebration no doubt carries with it components of sadness. Some, on this day, will be reminded that they are unable to have children. Others, on this day, will be reminded that their children will not call and, perhaps, have not spoken to them in years. For others still this day will be a reminder of the grief they experience through the loss of their mother. Others will walk through different pain and hurts, even as they celebrate and recognize this day as a 'standout' day in our calendar year.
Our question for this Mother's day is this: Does the Christian Story speak to both the celebration and the sadness that will be experienced this Sunday? Is the Gospel thick enough to be spread over both parts of this piece of bread or is it too thin to be stretched to such extremes?
Some might begin to wonder at this point, 'come on, Biz, it's mother's day -focus on the celebration and ignore the sadness.' While I get this sentiment I believe that we too often take this approach in life. This approach would be similar to saying of Christianity - just focus on the resurrection (celebration) and forget the cross (sadness), let's focus on the positive. But to do this is to fail to acknowledge that without the cross there is no resurrection in the first place. Without the sadness, there is no reason for joy and celebration. The cross is the single greatest reason we can focus on both celebration and sadness this weekend. The cross is that which separates Christianity from ALL the religions of the world - that God would suffer sin, shame and death so that we might celebrate life, hope and fullness! If any story can speak to your celebration and sadness this weekend, please believe me: it is the Christian Story!
I hope you will join us this week for this journey to hope in the midst of both celebration and sadness. I am very excited about this weekend because my wife, Melissa will be sharing in the service her own story of finding hope in the midst of pain and celebrating in the midst of sadness. We both believe and know that it is time for her to share her story of Christ and the hope He offers! I believe that you will be moved into a new and transformative relationship with Christ if you will join us this weekend and hear from her mouth the testimony of the life you have seen her live with your own eyes!
Celebrating the Hope of Christ for Mother's Day and Every day!
Biz
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