Fellowship, One With the Other

Today is November 1st and when this date rolls around, it inevitably leads to thinking about thanksgiving and then Christmas! The time seems to fly by and before you know it, the new year is ringing in. In thinking about those moments from Thanksgiving until Christmas ,there was a time when our hearts would be encouraged for there would be food, fun, and fellowship.

With Covid, Christmas parties had to cease, and even though the threat of the virus has dissipated, there are still people who are reluctant to socialize in groups. Yet one of the beauties of the Christmas season is the opportunity to join with family and friends. In fact fellowship has been shown to be essential to good health. According to a CDC report, older adults who are isolated have serious health risks, among them a risk of premature death; a 50% increase in the risk of dementia; a 29% risk of heart disease and a 32% risk of stroke, and of course higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. Recent medical studies have shown higher than average increases in younger people as well for similar risks.

Could this be why scripture says this of the early church:

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 (NIV)

Imagine a world where everyone had so many things in common that there was no lack, where there were set times for fellowship where all participated in sharing a meal. Imagine a world where people felt free to share their heart with people they can trust. Imagine a world where children were safe to play among their peers and older people felt comfortable being in the mix with all ages.

Well, I remember this world, and that world was at church! Let’s get the church back to its’ original mission.

Maria