Uplook - November 25, 2023
Dear Seattle Saints,
It is wonderful to back in Seattle after a two week trip working with our churches in the Philippines. I have enjoyed the beautiful sunshine we have enjoyed over the Thanksgiving weekend thus far but I must admit that the 45 degree drop in temperature from the Philippines was a bit of a shock. (High of 90 in the PI – High of 45 in Seattle) The good news is that no matter the physical temperature or weather around us we all have much to be thankful for in this season. The Apostle Paul told the church in Philippi that they need not worry but instead needed to spice their prayers and requests to God with thanksgiving and this same God would grant them peace beyond comprehension. And beyond that, God would hold them steady in both heart and mind because of what Jesus has done.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
I am always a bit surprised when we travel to the Philippines that culturally they begin to decorate and celebrate Christmas during the month of October. This seems quite strange to me because as a boy, my mother would not let us decorate until after my birthday which is in the first week of December. It was her attempt to keep my birthday special. After Lori and I married, I shared this with her and she quietly declared “I’m not your mother😊” which has resulted in us decorating soon after Thanksgiving over the years. I’m thankful that for the most part in America our holiday schedule starts with a day of thanksgiving as we begin to celebrate the Christmas/Advent season.
So no matter the country or our origin or residence and no matter our age or birthdate may we all take time in our busy holiday schedules to give thanks and to look forward to the celebration of the birth of the hope of all the ages, Jesus Christ.
God bless you all.
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
It is wonderful to back in Seattle after a two week trip working with our churches in the Philippines. I have enjoyed the beautiful sunshine we have enjoyed over the Thanksgiving weekend thus far but I must admit that the 45 degree drop in temperature from the Philippines was a bit of a shock. (High of 90 in the PI – High of 45 in Seattle) The good news is that no matter the physical temperature or weather around us we all have much to be thankful for in this season. The Apostle Paul told the church in Philippi that they need not worry but instead needed to spice their prayers and requests to God with thanksgiving and this same God would grant them peace beyond comprehension. And beyond that, God would hold them steady in both heart and mind because of what Jesus has done.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
I am always a bit surprised when we travel to the Philippines that culturally they begin to decorate and celebrate Christmas during the month of October. This seems quite strange to me because as a boy, my mother would not let us decorate until after my birthday which is in the first week of December. It was her attempt to keep my birthday special. After Lori and I married, I shared this with her and she quietly declared “I’m not your mother😊” which has resulted in us decorating soon after Thanksgiving over the years. I’m thankful that for the most part in America our holiday schedule starts with a day of thanksgiving as we begin to celebrate the Christmas/Advent season.
So no matter the country or our origin or residence and no matter our age or birthdate may we all take time in our busy holiday schedules to give thanks and to look forward to the celebration of the birth of the hope of all the ages, Jesus Christ.
God bless you all.
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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