CELEBRATING FAMILY

The first institution that God created on earth is family. Family can be described as persons who share the same genealogy or bloodline. Another way to build a family is through adoption. Adoption can be legal or an acceptance in the spirit of love. However family is formed, it is the love in our heart that bonds us together.

Both types of family are demonstrated in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. The book of Matthew traces Jesus’ genealogy through the bloodline of Joseph. The book of Luke traces Jesus’ genealogy through the bloodline of Mary. The book of Mark does not give us a physical bloodline through Jesus’ parents but discusses Him in the spirit of adoption. While the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) validate Jesus’ humanity, John validates His divinity. John says in the beginning was the Word (Jesus) and the Word was with God and was God.

We should intentionally celebrate family. Too often family only comes together for funerals in their hour of grief. We should plan family celebrations to share our support, accomplishments, encouragement and joy. These celebrations are reflected in birthdays, graduations, holiday gatherings and family reunions. Some families plan weekly or monthly gatherings to stay connected.

Families adopted by love but not by law intentionally plan gatherings to stay connected and show support for one another. Among these are social clubs, secret order organizations, political parties and for some people, co-workers.

The most popular adopted family is the church. The church is based on the ethic of love which is the foundation of the Christian faith. The church is a place where we choose to support, sacrifice and serve a beloved community to reflect the life of Christ.

Someone said that we cannot choose our family but we can choose our friends. I believe we should celebrate both our blood family and the friends in our adopted family.

    – Pastor Michael