Gathering Together

Perhaps more significant than the estimated 111 million people who will watch Super Bowl XLIX this Sunday, is the more than 1.25 billion chicken wings that will be consumed during the game.  The Super Bowl is an event unlike any other, drawing people who have little interest in football to gather together with friends.  Yes, some will be very interested in the game, but many will be more interested in the commercials and in the wings and all the good food that will accompany.  

 

Lots of things bring us together.  We enjoy the camaraderie of shared cerebration and personal relationship. Whether it's a sporting event, family celebration, or any of a number of occasions that draw us together with others, our need to exist and grow beyond ourselves is an important part of the human dynamic.  In the context of faith, the writer of the book of Hebrews encouraged his readers not to forsake gathering together with others in the name of Christ.  Then, as now, the busyness of life, with all its distractions, crept in and threatened the fellowship of believers.  Sharing the joy of Christ with others is a privilege and a calling that should never be taken for granted.  The Super Bowl, the commercials, and yes, the wings are good reason to gather together.  Our greatest treasure of fellowship, however, is found in the fellowship and worship we share with brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

We won't be serving wings as we gather this Sunday morning for worship, but we will celebrate the living Lord who is still at work among us.  That is the best reason for gathering together that I know.

 

Jim Abernathy