The Gift of Fellowship
Last night our mid-week service was a liitle down in attendance, but then it was the last Wednesday before Christmas. Some folks were out of town, and then we were short an entire half dozen souls simply because all of Alfred's and Alicia's kids were away from home. My wife and I know from expereince that it can get pretty quiet around the house in a hurry when you go from six to zero, but that's not always a bad thing.

For some time now Jeffrey has been after me to take the family to Steak and Shake after church on Wednesday. So, last night I decided honor his request. As an added bonus, Alfred and Alicia went with us, and we had some wonderful fellowship with them, even if was past mine and Alfred's bedtime before we finishied. One thing I'm sure of is that Crystal and Alicia could have kept their fellowship up right on past midnight! They were really on a roll. Seriously, it was great, and we all enjoyed the evening.

Getting together with family and friends is something we always enjoy not only during the holidays but all year long. It was also something the early church practiced. Luke records it this way in Acts 2:42,

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

The word fellowship is from the greek, koinonia, which means to share in common. My wife and I have heritage of fellowship on both sides of our family. Her grandfather, Reno, loved to have people to his home on Sundays for food and fellowship. Odell and Selva have certainly kept that kind of fellowship alive. They most always have quite a following for Sunday lunch wherever they go. Some will say, "sure, they're just after the free lunch!" Somehow I believe it's more than that. You see, it's the same when we just eat beans and cornbread at the house. This gift of fellowship is such a blessing. Whether, I'm just being Dad and having my family out for dinner or over to the house, or having the blessing of folks like Alfred and Alicia along for fellowship after church, it's all about the precious gift of fellowship.

God created us for fellowship. First he created us for fellowship with Him. Secondly he created us for fellowship with one another. In fact, when we have fellowship together, we also have fellowship with Him because He is there with us. That what He said in Matthew 18:20,

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Even more, As Jesus was talking about our relationship with one another in Mathhew 25:40 , He said that the way we treat others is how we treat Him.

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

During this Christmas season I have already enjoyed some wonderful fellowship with family and friends, and our church family. I will have several more special gatherings before the Holiday season is over. The good news is that it doesn't end with the new year. Those of us who know the Christ of Christmas look forward to not only a new year, but also an eternity filled with the gift of fellowship. It's only just begun!