How does a path become a path?
It is quite simple actually. One person walks in a particular direction. Through woods or weeds or waist high grass. One person walks in a particular direction and soon others follow. In the beginning, it is sometimes hard to determine where the path is. But with each step, the pathway becomes more defined.
Soon the steps of a thousand people beat down the vegetation. Bare dirt and stone make it clear that others have passed this way. This pathway where others have traveled, leads somewhere.
If everyone felt it necessary to walk their own way, then there would be no pathway. A leisurely walk would become a test of one’s navigational skill and many would be lost.
Danielle took this photo last Sunday. Fresh snow on the sidewalk that leads to the doors of our church. What do you notice? Footprints small and large, heels, dress shoes and boot prints, the trail of a walker or two.
The path to TLC has become a pathway for many. This is a safe place. Others have walked the pathway that we might be here today. Our parents and grandparents, our charter members and new members have walked this pathway.
In this season of Christmas we are reminded that the path which leads to Bethlehem, to the water, to the bread and wine, to Jesus, is a safe pathway for all of God’s people. In this season of Christmas, we are reminded that the stable in Bethlehem was crowded with an un-wed mother, a blue-collar carpenter, common barn animals, unclean shepherds, and star gazing foreigners.
Look at those foot prints in the snow. Those are the foot prints of our brothers and sisters. Rich and poor, black and brown, ex-cons and recovering addicts, gay and straight, democrat and republican. Either all are welcome or all will be excluded.
I am thankful to be walking the pathway of life with you!
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Jim
Christmas Eve Services at 4, 7 and 9 pm.
Christmas Morning service at 9:00.
