My friend and fellow Christian, who had many of his writings included in this evening newspaper, recently died leaving this earthly life. His life was celebrated due to his Christian life commitment and sharing his concerns in the Times-Union many times. One of his efforts to share his faith, was handing out hundreds of Christian tracts titled "You Are Special" to the people. He lived his Christian faith. He wrote of it in a helpful humble way.
Another friend, just a week ago, was hit with a crippling stroke and is in the hospital, hoping for successful rehabilation. He and his wife have provided me Sunday morning rides to church, since I experienced both a stroke and a heart attack over a week ago, which ended my driving days. Another helpful couple are taking me to church now. I am in daily prayer for my Christian friend suffering the stroke.
These dear ones made me think about death. When you think about it death is the most universal experience of life. We all participate in it.
Much of the time we think of it only happening to other people. We don't like to grow old and we don't like to die. The Bible teaches that death is an enemy of man, and God. But it teaches that this enemy, death, will be destroyed forever; that in fact it has already been defeated at the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This Christmas season is the beginning of the story in the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.
Death for a Christian brings permanent freedom from evil. It means the believer will be with Jesus with love and peace. What a day of rejoicing that will be!
For my first friend already there I am happy! For my second friend, I pray that he will continue fighting for more days of life, as I am, to live the Christian life.
